I have used Ikea on 10 kitchen remodels including our condo and main SFR. So I speak from experience. I was doing fix and flips for a while.
M. Early is a very reputable contractor, but not inexpensive.
A experienced finish carpenter / contractor can easily install Ikea’s. BUT there is a learning curve. After you learn what you can do many many things are possible that do not appear in the catalog.
For example I like to put in a 33″ wide base and match with 17″ wide uppers. So you buy a base box and cut it down for the 17″ required for the upper. Regular base is pulled out from wall to get 33″ with ledger nailed to the wall. Ikea offers 36″ wide drawers and these are really nice for pots / pans / etc. On uppers I use the glass doors, but throw away the wood shelves and order 3/8″ glass shelves from a glass shop. Because you can modify the box size if you pick a panel door style ( thicker frame and thinner middle ) you can take it apart cut down the inside part and reinstall the frame and voila you can make any size cabinet you need for a filler. You can make solid bases from 2×4 framing if desired although the legs work well. I could go on, but anyone knowledgable about finish construction could pick up on these ideas. So much flexibility.
Granite 12 x 12 squares can work very well and look great. Spend the money for good pulls they really dress up the final product.
Finally if anyone is doing an Ikea kitchen and needs parts I have a big storage bin of excess parts. Best to all. $ 15K seemed cheap for a full redo.
