"iradi8" wrote in message
...
I am trying to decide whether to have custom bookcases built or just try to
find some free-standing ones.
I got a quote from a local cabinet maker for a painted 10' x 10' unit that
is 12" deep on the top part where there is open shelving and about 16"
deep on the bottom where there will be cabinet doors.
The quote is approx. $6000 and I was surprised at the high cost. I live in
Louisiana -- anyone have opinions on this price???

Also, any suggestions where I might find some really nice bookcases (open
on top with cabinets on bottom -- very tall preferably) either online or
b&m??

Thanks for your help!

I haven't read all the answers to your query, but let me tell you about my
similar situation.
When we bought our first house, we wanted to add kitchen cabinets. They had
to match what the builder had installed. When we got a price quote from the
local cabinet maker we were floored at the cost.

What I did was decide to build them myself. I bought a radial arm saw,
although a table saw would have also been a good choice. You can buy the
right kind of material for your project and build what you want without
having to compromise with what is available.

When I got done, the cost including the tools needed were less than the
price quote and now I still have that saw and the other tools even though
it is four houses later.

Charlie