In this introductory program, Norm visits a state-of-the-art "kitchen lab" where a premier hardware manufacturer studies ways to improve function in today's kitchen. Norm then returns to the shop to take stock of the tools, equipment, and space required to build high-tech custom kitchen cabinets. Next, he begins to show how a typical base cabinet is constructed with the materials and techniques he will use during the build out of the dream kitchen.

To understand how professionals build high-end custom cabinets, Norm pays a visit to a commercial shop where craftsmanship is clearly on display. He learns that many of the same tools and techniques he uses are used here to turn out some glorious examples of kitchen cabinetry.

Back at the New Yankee Workshop, Norm reviews some of the popular door/ drawer options that can easily be built in a home workshop and demonstrates how to make raised panel overlay doors. He goes on to build a dovetailed drawer box and a drawer front for the base cabinet he built earlier. He finishes the basics using little more than a table saw, proving how easy it is to build a wall hung cabinet.

The "Hot Wall" - or the cabinetry surrounding the built-in double oven, range, and range hood - is the first section Norm builds, using some of the techniques explained in the first two episodes.

Norm introduces the location of the dream kitchen on the footprint of an existing version shop built by its owner 30 years ago. Improvements in materials since then and the use of techniques not available in the 1970s will mean stronger cabinets that are easier to use and maintain, look attractive over a long lifetime, and add considerable value to the home. Best of all, the new kitchen can be built for a fraction of the cost of a kitchen built by professionals.

After showing how to build the carcass for the oven cabinet, Norm adds a storage organizer for trays and cookie sheets and a large drawer below for pot lids. He also plans a small base cabinet next to the range and two wall hung units to complete the group. Next, he shows off the details of the prototype inset door and drawer design, which will be used extensively in this kitchen. Norm finishes this episode by building a dovetailed drawer box with a plain front. This drawer design will also be used throughout the dream kitchen.

The "Wet Wall" features the necessary cabinets around the sink and dishwasher and the requisite storage for dishes, pots and pans, silverware, and other utensils.

In this episode, Norm shows carcass construction by adding a face frame, attaching it to the cabinet with only glue and biscuits, and applying a decorative bead. Then he makes some doors with solid MDF panels and some with glass panels and explains many ingenious tips to installing the drawer runners. He finishes the wet wall by making and fitting shelves with the use of a special jig.

The pantry is perhaps the hardest working unit in any kitchen. A good plan, a review of how it might be used by the family, and some hard work on the design are essential to creating a good storage space.

Thus Norm begins this project by visiting a recently completed pantry to gather ideas. He takes note that storage can be very specific to a family's preferences. "Adjustability" is a key element. Then it's back to the New Yankee Workshop to build one for the dream kitchen.

Norm devises a clever solution to make sure that this tall cabinet will fit in the new space. He continues building the carcass and face frame using some of the techniques shown on earlier episodes, yet when it comes to the door, the comparison ends. Norm builds a clever series of storage boxes with handsome box joints that hang on the inside of the door. This provides useful storage and takes advantage of otherwise wasted space.