LACIE SILVA
Editor
Seven years ago Alan Barra, owner of Barra’s Cabinet Refinishing, made the decision to start his own company.
The company is named after his family last name. Barra stated this is because, “We believe in the quality we’re putting out. Our biggest thing is quality over quantity.” He admits he is a perfectionist and believes that is what makes him good at what he does.
Barra grew up in North Chattanooga but has made Whitwell his home. He started out working in the restaurant business and dreamed of becoming a chef. Until about 23 years ago he was walking around looking for a job, stumbled into a refinishing business and found his true passion. “He gave me my first refinishing job. We’re still good friends.” Barra is highly community driven and believes in making personal connections with many people, he said “There’s nothing like living in the valley.”
Barra’s offers refinishing, re-facing, and modifications to cabinetry and free estimates. He believes in having a personal relationship with customers to get the best fit and quality for each individual. Personally attends meetings with clients in homes to understand the layout and concept for the home. He says this adds a deeper level of incorporation when changing and making improvements to tie everything back together.
Before anything the team protects all surfaces, countertops, floors, walls, and labels all pieces before removing anything. They then take the pieces to their shop for work to be done.
Barra described the process as a careful craft so as to only see the changes and modifications, but for them to seem as if they had always been there. The goal is to make the home look the best possible for years to come. He described the importance of getting the work done right the first time and ensuring that it is all done the best for each customer. “The kitchen is where some of the most important interactions happen between family members and friends. It’s the biggest gathering place in the house,” he said as he expressed the impact it also has on their clients. Barra stated, “You’re not only changing their kitchen, you’re changing a part of their lives.”
Their store is located at 300 Mount Calvary Road, Whitwell, TN 37397. Customers are encouraged to contact them by email at info@barrascabinetrefinishing.com and to call (423) 582-2888 for free estimates and more information. They are open Monday – Friday between 8am and 5pm EST. Change your home and life with Barra’s Cabinet Refinishing services.
