Cabinets are definitely one thing to get serious about when remodeling your kitchen. They form an integral part of the look, layout, and function of your kitchen. But because they are so expensive, it is worth your while to learn about all aspects of them–as this guide will show.

Before buying kitchen cabinets that look the best and pass a quality test with flying colors, consider your intentions for the home. If the house will soon go on the market or become a rental, you might skimp because, historically, a kitchen remodel does not offer the best return on investment. However, when you’re creating a dream kitchen to enjoy for many years to come, you may wish to invest in mid- to high-end cabinets that suit every need.

Next, measure your kitchen to approximate the amount of space you’ll devote to cabinets. Keep this figure handy to multiply against the price per foot of your selection of upper and lower cabinets. Basic stock cabinets can run about $100 per foot, while premium cabinetry can run up to $500 per foot or more even before the cost of add-ons. Depending upon your selection, buying kitchen cabinets might account for up to 40 percent of a full renovation budget.

Remember, customization such as increasing or decreasing the depth of the cabinets, installing specialty features like breadboards or wine racks, or even including oak-lined interiors, leaded-glass doors, pull-out trash cans, or roll-out shelves will all cost extra. These personal touches can add more than 20 percent to the cost of kitchen cabinets. However, there are ways to cut costs while still getting what you want; for instance, opting for semi-custom rather than custom cabinets, or limiting add-ons to a few must-haves that you know you will enjoy for years to come. If you’re weighing the cost-benefits in your forever home, consider that quality kitchen cabinets can last up to 50 years.