When it comes to cabinets, too many consumers have no idea what they are actually getting for the price quoted from various companies, and only when it's too late do they realize they overpaid for what they got, even when the price was inexpensive. And for countertops, many consumers aren't told that a couple of common options on the market are prone to cracking and stains. 

Consumers we heard from as research for this article indicated the Marin County firm of Aurora Cabinets & Countertops in San Rafael CA who makes, installs, and sells from their San Rafael showroom is known for delivering value, without high pressure sales tactics, and who completely informs the customer so they know exactly what they're getting whether it be custom or price-conscious factory made options.
 

Quality and Value at Aurora Cabinets & Countertops in San Rafael CA

Donna Susmani and her brother Martin Keith are the brother-sister team who own and run Aurora Cabinets & Countertops in Marin which was founded by their parents in 1961.   Having grown up in the business since childhood as they have, few have as much experience in this trade as they do, with Martin Keith still doing the woodworking and crafting of their custom options. 

The company has a reputation for delivering real value, so if someone gives a lower bid, beware that it's probably not for the same thing. The first issue is whether it's factory-made or custom. Unfortunately, other companies throw around the word "custom" for anything they put together for you, but that's meant to mislead and confuse you.  So what's the difference? Donna Susmani explains, "Custom is something that's built specifically for your exact space. Factory is pre-built in three-inch increments so to fit them you have to use more fillers and have more joints between the cabinets. With custom you can make the whole run look like one piece in a way you can't do with factory made. Also, with custom all the doors are color and grain matched. Factory doesn't do that and you might get a door that's a little blond next to one that's browner. You can definitely tell the difference."

Customers of Aurora Cabinets & Countertops are given options for both factory made and custom made. Donna says, "First and foremost we're known as a custom shop, but we also have a factory line and we give customers who don't know exactly what they want yet a quote for both, and then thoroughly explain the differences so whichever option they choose, they know exactly what they're getting for the cost and get to make a completely informed decision."

The next issue is what it's made of, with other companies misleadingly claiming their factory made options are "all wood", when in reality it's particle board which is compressed sawdust, weaker, and prone to falling apart. What about the factory option at Aurora? Donna says, "Our factory option is one of the best. It's all wood, no particle board, and they have a higher line and a medium grade option. Every now and then we get a request about melamine, which we can get and install for them but we make sure they know exactly what to expect with melamine."

In addition to providing new, Aurora also does refacing. Donna tells us, "I have brand new pictures where we took a white kitchen that looked dated and completely refaced in bamboo. It's absolutely stunning and you wouldn't know it wasn't a new kitchen."
 

Aurora Cabinets & Countertops in San Rafael CA Lets You Go and See

Most other makers and installers don't have a display where you can see and touch before deciding, so customers of Aurora appreciate their fully appointed showroom with samples. And it's here that Donna Susmani also provides design services including computer renderings, and does so for free.  She says, "Sometimes we'll spend over an hour with the customer helping them choose among their options. It's worth it to me to invest that time because completely satisfied customers will be recommending us to others."

Unlike other companies where buyer's remorse sets in once the customer sees the flaws involved in getting less than they thought they were for the money, customers of Aurora who we called attested to the satisfaction that comes from being fully informed on what they're getting. Like one named Dana who told us, "We used them and we love them. And we're still in love with our cabinets. And they're wonderful people to work with. I think you'll be very happy."  And another named Kim who reported to us, "I got all the cabinets throughout my house from Aurora. I highly recommend them. I did a lot of research and feel like I picked the best, and got the best."  And even local building trade experts we spoke to said the same, like a customer named Steve who told us, "I'm a general contractor that's used Marty and Donna for years. I've been very pleased working with them."

Aurora also makes and installs countertops including laminate, quartz, and leading brands like Corian and Caeserstone. Customers considering cement or granite should go talk to Donna Susmani first, since it's possible some other material can give them the effect they're looking for without the cracking and stain potential those two materials have.  They also have a line of quality sinks and faucets available without the typical high markup.

Marty Keith and his sister Donna Susmani were both born and raised in Novato CA and Donna still lives here today. Donna says, "It's a family oriented town no matter how much bigger it's gotten. We have horses and deer come through our yard. It's just a good place to raise a family."  And Donna has raised two children here while Martin and his wife have two teenage daughters.  Both Martin Keith and his sister Donna grew up in the company, and after getting college degrees they came back to take over the operation of Aurora from their parents in the late 1980's.    Customers describe both of them as honest and genuinely caring in a way that makes them feel like family. Visitors to the showroom get lots of personal attention and are fond of meeting their ten-year old black lab Bella who's been here since she was 10 weeks old.

The two are also known for a relaxed experience without the sales tactics used by so many others. Donna says, "Instead of focusing on sales, we prefer to educate you to make whatever decision is ultimately going to be best for your needs.  It's that kind of approach that's led to our high rate of customer referrals and repeat business over the years."

And customers we called verified this, like one named Arden who might have summed it best when she told us, "I've used Marty Keith and Donna and Aurora now for at least five years. My husband has a very big remodeling firm and he's been using them even longer.  Really, they're the best. They're very easy to work with. They're very helpful. We tell them what we want and they make it, they finish it, and they install it.  They have a good showroom so if you don't know what you want, go in and ask for the style, and Donna will show you examples. Their prices are the best for the quality in the Bay Area. We've been very, very satisfied and we give them a full 100% recommendation."