What this covers
Built-ins are cabinetry made for one spot: bookcases flanking a fireplace, a window seat with storage, a media wall, a mudroom bench, a home office wall. They are designed to the room, built in a shop or on site, fitted and scribed to walls and ceilings, and finished to match the trim so they read as part of the house. Lighting and power are planned in where the design calls for them.
When to call
- An alcove, a fireplace wall or a window with wall space on either side.
- A wish for storage that looks like architecture rather than furniture.
- A family room, office, den or mudroom that needs organization.
What to expect
- DesignThe room is measured and the built-in drawn with you: shelves, doors, seat, lighting.
- BuildBoxes, face frames, doors and shelves are built in the shop or on site.
- FitUnits are set, leveled, scribed to the walls and ceiling and fastened.
- Trim and finishTrim ties it into the room; it is painted or finished, and you check it.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
Painted or stained?
Painted built-ins match painted trim and use paint-grade materials. Stained built-ins use hardwood and plywood and show the grain.
Can a built-in include a TV and wiring?
Yes. Cable chases, outlets and ventilation for equipment are planned in, with a licensed electrician for the power.
Will it come with the house?
A built-in is attached to the house and usually stays with it, which is part of its appeal.
Related: Custom shelving · Closet systems · Home office remodeling · All carpentry and trim
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.