However, it is not uncommon for builders to change cabinet companies more than once during the building of one subdivision. Reasons for this can range from sub-par service of the cabinet manufacturer or distributor, to poor installations, to inferior cabinets. Inconsistency of quality or prevalent wood-grain anomalies are, unfortunately, not evident to builders when they go about the task of getting bids and hiring cabinet subcontractors. Make sure the design center consultant shows you not only what cabinet faces will look like in your new home, but also displays a rendering of how they will be laid out. Drawers may become larger or smaller with the new company, and frames to each door may appear different.
Wood grains are difficult to make consistent, however.
Even when cabinet companies remain the same, a natural wood can display a range of color complexity they cannot predict. I would be remiss is saying that builders would not make changes to what goes into the homes they build because of cost factors. If a builder is incurring an increased cost passed on to them by their sub-contractors, they must try to pass that increase on by raising the base prices of their homes. If they feel they cannot comfortably do this and make their margins, they may opt to make some changes in sub-contractors to lessen their exposure. The best way to prepare yourself for whatever changes the builder is making to your new home is to ask plenty of questions of both the builder's sales person as well as the design center consultant.