Cabinet Estimator Speeds Semi-custom Cabinetry Quotes

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA - Semi-custom cabinet manufacturer Kitchen Craft, LLC says it has improved its cabinetry quoting turnaround times since implementing a cost estimating system.

Kitchen Craft, located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, has been manufacturing semi-custom cabinetry for kitchens and bathrooms throughout North America since 1972. In 2002, when it was acquired by MasterBrand Cabinets, Kitchen Craft expanded its product lines to include custom and modular cabinetry.

It sells cabinets under the Kitchen Craft and Omega brands, as well as Corian, Formica, Artisan and other solid surface lines, Wilsonart laminates, and Richelieu hardware. Kitchen Craft has achieved certification in the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association’s (KCMA) Environmental Stewardship Program.

In order to keep up with the increased demand for estimates, Kitchen Craft adopted Costimator, and since then has seen significant improvements in its estimating process, according to Shane Goerzen, senior design and technology support supervisor.

"Prior to Costimator, we were facing challenges in terms of consistency and efficiency of our quotes," said Shane Goerzen, Sr. Design & Tech Support Supervisor at Kitchen Craft. "We were using a home-grown estimating method that was cumbersome to maintain and quickly losing its effectiveness."

The company's kitchen cabinet cost estimating software, is made by MTI Systems, Inc., West Sringfield, MA.  

"The biggest benefit has been from its 'Cost Modeler' feature. Cost Models increase our estimating speed," said Goerzen. "Previously, we'd measure cabinets against a standard measure. Now we quickly calculate and cross-reference measures according to the product." The change, he says, makes estimates more consistent and accurate.

 It is also easier to train employees to do estimating.

"Instead of taking months to train individuals, now a layman estimator can hit the ground running," said Goerzen. "Opposed to, thumbing through price guides, they're now handling some of our more intricate, detailed jobs in minutes."

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