Thomas Bump of Fine Custom Cabinetry shows Bob the Maple and hardwood panel cabinets that were built specifically for the Brownstone kitchen. The floor-to-ceiling cabinets were built in the shop, then disassembled for finishing and transported to the site for installation. The cabinets are constructed with Maple interiors and mixed hardwoods for the face frames and frame. The panel is medium-density fiberboard (MDF). The door hinges are concealed inside the cabinet and have three-way adjusting screws so that the door can be shifted up or down, right or left, in or out, to hang the door level and plumb. The cabinets have been spray painted with a lacquer finish that is tinted then catalyzed for a durable, easy-to-clean finish. Bump then shows Bob how the panels are made using puck holes predrilled on the back of the panel that are filled with adhesive so that it can sit in the frame without being pushed proud by a thick layer of adhesive. A small dab of hot glue holds the face of the panel in place. Bump then shows Bob the drawers that are solid Maple on the sides, front, and back, with a Maple veneer on the inside. They feature dovetail joinery and concealed tracks underneath that have a quick release and self-locking mechanism. These drawers are also self-closing.

Bob is in the Punta Gorda house with Jack Ballantine of Ambassador Kitchens, where builder line kitchen cabinets have been installed. These Maple cabinets from Cardell Cabinets of San Antonio, Texas, have Maple faces, solid wood frames, and pressboard boxes. The hinges are from Blum and are fully adjustable European or concealed hinges. The drawers feature a builder-grade box, which means it's of consistently high quality but not of the company's highest grade. A builder-grade cabinet will feature baseline construction with custom features like cabinet faces and wood selections. The benefit, Ballantine explains, is that the cabinets are delivered on time, consistently. A special rate and quality service are extended to customers, like Ambassador Kitchens or Mercedes Homes, who outfit a number of homes with their line. In Florida, where the demand and wait time are extensive, a delivery time of three to four weeks is terrific.

The entrance to the back of the house has been modified by removing the small back door and installing a triple-panel sliding glass door that looks onto the newly landscaped backyard. The mudroom was converted into a pantry and outfitted by California Closets. Chloe Durant of California Closets reviews some of the work done in the pantry. The family needed space where they could prepare lunch for the two boys. In this space, a butler's pantry was designed and installed, featuring a deep countertop, drawers for storage, and space down below for recycling. Dave Weston of California Closets explains how the unit was put into the space. The California Closets system operates on rails. The rail is attached to the wall and hangers are attached to the secured rail. These hangers allow partitions to go up and down and holds any amount of weight put upon it. The finished product has four drawers, a couple of compartments for recycling bins, countertop space, and space up above for storage of kitchen appliances.

You can save time around the house by having a few basic tools stashed in a kitchen drawer. Here are some of the most popular items: a hammer; screwdrivers, both phillips and flathead; a small tape measure; a utility knife; a torpedo level; pliers and an adjustable wrench; and the ever useful duct tape. Most important don't forget to put everything back when you are finished.