When Thomas Anderson and Michael Ferreira opened Thomas Michaels Kitchens on Cranberry Highway eight years ago, they had no budget. Just the desire to help everyday people design great kitchens.

"We both didn't like what was going on in our industry, so we decided to change it," said Anderson.

The team met at a conference in 1998. Both worked for large kitchen cabinet manufacturers, selling products to do-it-yourself stores. Both were frustrated at the prices those stores would charge without giving customers very much guidance in their projects. And both were equally frustrated at the prices "boutique stores" would charge to design kitchens for customers.

So the concept for Thomas Michaels Kitchens was born. With years of selling under their belts, Anderson and Ferreira know what to pay for products, and now pass the savings on to their customers.

"We know all their secrets," Anderson said. "We know what the prices should be."

This allows the team to provide free services that many stores typically charge for, Anderson said. Thomas Michaels will measure and design kitchens (and other living spaces, like bathrooms and entryways) for no additional charge. Just pick out the products, and they do the rest.

It's for "people who want to look like they have a million dollars, but don't want to pay that much," Anderson said, adding that the atmosphere is very low-key. "You can come to a nice boutique store and spend the same money [as at do-it-yourself stores] and be treated very, very well."

For example, Thomas Michaels offers an entire kitchen for $7,000. Customers can choose one of 72 cabinet door styles and one of three sinks. It comes with granite countertops and the customer's choice of installation or appliances (stove, fridge, and microwave) included. A dishwasher is included with any purchase of $7,000 or more.

Because the design is free, everything will fit into a customer's designated space flawlessly, Anderson said.

"The only way we're profitable is if we're perfect," Anderson said. "We don't sell kitchens. We sell three things: on time, complete, and correct."

The concept has been successful so far. Anderson and Ferreira designed 110 kitchens last year. This month, they moved from the location they previously rented into a building they own, located at 3127 Cranberry Highway in East Wareham, across the street from the old store.

Anderson said the team could have opened a second location, but decided to expand in Wareham, where everything started. (Ferreira lives on the Cape, and Anderson lives off-Cape, so Wareham seemed like a good place for the two to start a business, Anderson said.)

Walk-ins are always welcome, Anderson said. Or customers can call 508-295-1311 for a design consultation.

"Come in, have a cup of coffee, we'll blow the breeze about your kitchen," Anderson said. "We just have fun. It's what we do."