Custom Cabinets in Davis, CA

Local rules, utilities and conditions in Davis

In Davis, PG&E is the electric and gas utility. Before you lock in a cooktop cutout, consider borrowing an induction unit through PG&E's two-week loaner program; PG&E says induction stoves are up to 90% energy-efficient, compared with 40% for gas. Any change to the gas line behind a range should be done by a licensed contractor under a permit. PG&E's advice if you smell gas: leave the area right away, don't use light switches, phones or anything that could spark nearby, and call 911, then PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.

A cabinet-only job in Davis usually skips the permit counter, because the California Residential Code exempts cabinets, countertops and similar finish work. Two things change that. Any plumbing, electrical, gas or mechanical change, such as an island outlet, a relocated sink or a ducted hood, needs a permit from the City of Davis Community Development and Sustainability Department. And the permit question decides who may do the work: the Contractors State License Board says a job that needs a permit requires a licensed contractor even when it costs less than $1,000.

Before you sign a cabinet contract in Davis, check three things. The license should be active on the CSLB's lookup and list the C-6 Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry classification or a B General Building license. The down payment can't exceed $1,000 or 10% of the price, whichever is less, even for custom-built boxes. And each progress payment should be tied to work done or cabinets delivered, because state law bars contractors from collecting ahead of either.

Hot, dry summers and wet winters are normal in Davis. The Forest Products Laboratory's Wood Handbook recommends installing interior woodwork close to the moisture content it will have in use, about 8% on average across most of the U.S., and says large solid panels should be free to move across the grain. One cabinet manufacturer, Superior Cabinets, says hairline cracks at the joints of painted wood doors are a normal result of that movement rather than a defect, and recommends keeping indoor humidity at 40% to 50%.

Renting in Davis?

With 44% of homes owner-occupied, Davis has a large share of renters. If you want more storage, freestanding pieces you own are the simplest route, but anchoring a tall bookcase or wardrobe means screws in the wall, so ask the landlord first and check your lease for who handles repairs. The Department of Real Estate's tenant guide notes that tenants with disabilities may make reasonable modifications, such as lowering a cabinet, usually at their own cost, and the landlord may require restoring the unit at move-out.

Neighborhoods in Davis

Calls are connected with providers who serve all of Davis, including:

• Downtown Davis
• Old North Davis
• Mace Ranch
• Wildhorse
• Village Homes
• Stonegate
• Willowbank

Custom cabinet services in Davis

• Custom Kitchen Cabinets
• Custom Bathroom Vanities and Cabinets
• Custom Closets and Bedroom Built-Ins
• Built-In Bookshelves and Media Walls
• Cabinet Refacing and Painting
• Garage, Laundry and Pantry Cabinets
• Cost guide

Davis questions

Nearby cities

• Woodland
• West Sacramento
• Sacramento
• Rio Linda

Ready to talk to a cabinet maker in Davis? Call (916) 712-7030; the line also takes calls from Woodland, West Sacramento and Sacramento. You set the design, price and schedule directly with the cabinet maker, so compare the bid with the national ranges in our cost guide and keep the down payment within California's $1,000-or-10% limit.