#CBC My Region - Homeowners shop in U. S. for savings on kitchen cabinets

Consumer Association of Saskatchewan warns buyer beware

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If you're thinking about renovating your kitchen or building a new one you may know the cost can run into the tens of thousands of dollars.

That's too much for some Saskatchewan homeowners and contractors, so they're buying their kitchens south of the border.

Lenny Protz is building a luxury home in Saskatoon's Rosewood neighbourhood. H e wanted high-end countertops and cabinetry.

"We wanted something that was going to be solid, with higher grade type of fixtures with them," Protz said.

Saskatoon homeowner said he saved $20,000 shopping in the U.S. (Steve Pasqualotto/CBC)

But Protz said estimates he got from some Saskatoon cabinet makers for his kitchen and bathrooms, including installation, ranged from $60,000 to $70,000.

"I thought it was high," Protz said. "And it's not just cabinetry. It's everything because the market has dictated that."

Protz went online and sent his measurements to Menards. a home improvement store in Minot, North Dakota. The cost was about $42,000 Cdn.

"Quality is the word I would use," Protz said. "It's solid wood, solid maple and it has dove-tail finishes."

Three weeks after placing his order, Protz made the seven-hour trip to Minot to pick up his cabinets and quartz countertops.

"That's fantastic," he said. "That's incredibly fast. Typically, you'd be waiting a couple of months here ."

After the exchange, travel and installation, Protz said he saved $20,000.

Lenny Protz bought these cabinets in the U.S. (Steve Pasqualotto/CBC)

CBC contacted several cabinet makers in Saskatoon, but none of them would agree to be interviewed, saying they haven't heard of people going to the U.S. to buy cabinets and don't see it as an issue. They question the quality of cabinets, service and savings of shopping south of the border.

The Consumer Association of Saskatchewan said Canadians shopping in the U.S. may have trouble seeking redress if there are any issues with materials and warranties.

But that's not stopping the rush. Menards tells CBC that it's selling more than ever to people in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta.

Protz said shopping at Menards isn't hassle-free. The cabinets come in limited sizes and he didn't order enough trim so he had to make a second trip to Minot.

But that doesn't bother Protz. This is the third kitchen he's bought from Menards a nd he said he'd buy American again.

"It's worth the drive," Protz said. "I'm very happy, very happy."

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Join online host Matt Kruchak from Monday to Friday between 6-8:45 a.m. on cbc.ca/saskatoon for a lively and engaging live chat. While chatting, tune into Saskatoon Morning on 94.1 FM with host Leisha Grebinski.