It’s no secret remodeling your home can be expensive. Making certain it looks as good as possible is the best way to ensure your money is well-spent. That doesn’t necessarily mean going all out with high-end finishes. It does, however, mean knowing where to splurge and where to save.
When it comes to millwork, the last thing you want to do is cut corners. The reason why is simple: mediocre millwork sticks out like a sore thumb. If your millwork looks terrible, it can negatively impact your remodel. Worse yet, it can decrease your home’s value and make it harder to sell down the road.
While you could stick with prefabricated options, custom millwork can take your home remodeling project to the next level. Keep reading to learn how investing in custom millwork contributes to a beautifully renovated space!
What is Custom Millwork?
Historically, the term “millwork” refers to wood products produced in large batches at a sawmill. Unlike lumber and other wood products that make up the guts of your home, millwork is left exposed for practical and decorative purposes.
So, what is considered millwork in a home remodeling project? You may be surprised to find it’s more than just doors and trim pieces! Millwork covers a wide breadth of products, including:
- Shelving
- Stair treads and railings
- Mantels
- Crown molding
- Interior doors and door frames
- Window casings
- Wood paneling
- Baseboards
If you’re looking to upgrade your home’s millwork, you’ll likely utilize one of two options. The first is purchasing prefabricated millwork at a lumberyard or box store. The other is hiring a woodworker or artisan to design and fabricate custom millwork.
Custom Millwork vs. Prefabricated Millwork
Millwork may seem simple on the surface, but it’s far more intricate than people often think. Each piece of millwork impacts the overall interior design of your home. Stairs, handrails, windows, and more all play off one another. To create a cohesive look throughout the house, your millwork needs to reflect your home’s architectural style.
As a mass-produced product, most prefabricated millwork products are meant to accommodate many different home styles. So, while it comes in at an affordable price point, the designs are often limited. Custom millwork typically requires a bigger investment, but it’s worth it in the grand scheme of things. That’s because it’s specially designed to fit your space and your home.
That said, your custom millwork is only as good as the craftsman you hire. To get truly stunning custom millwork, it’s essential to work with an artisan that understands and values design.
Custom Millwork and Design
As noted above, millwork can make or break your remodeling project. Quality custom millwork isn’t only about the materials used to make it; it’s also about the details.
What does that mean, exactly? Think about it this way: homes are built in a wide variety of unique styles. While remodeling is intended to update a space, getting the design details wrong can diminish the style. A great craftsman understands this and is willing to take the time to consider the big picture — not just the room itself — before getting started.
The design process for custom millwork can be lengthy but necessary. Before beginning the design phase, the craftsman will note when the home was built, its architectural style, and the remodeling design concept. Those details will all be used to flesh out the design of your custom millwork, ensuring it enhances rather than detracts from the overall look of your home.
For example, let’s say your remodel includes wall paneling such as wainscoting or board and batten. The craftsman will take into account the style of that wall treatment when the home was built. However, if the house is fairly new, they’ll design the wall paneling according to the current style. Doing so allows them to incorporate it without making the room feel dated or disjointed from the rest of the home.
Custom Millwork, Cabinets, and Furniture in the Twin Cities Area
At Excel Builders, we believe in the power of design. When it comes to reimagining your home, there is no detail too small or too big for our experienced team. We’re proud to offer premium design-build services to homeowners in the Twin Cities area, including remodeling, new home additions, and basement finishing. We even have an in-house cabinet shop!
Whether you’re planning a whole house remodel or want to update a kitchen or bathroom, we can help create a totally unique space in your home, complete with custom millwork, cabinets, and furniture. Get in touch today to learn more about our design-build services in Edina, Chanhassen, Eden Prairie, Plymouth, Shorewood, Chaska, Excelsior, and the surrounding area. Call us at (612) 306-4064 or email trent@excelbuildersmn.com to get started!