Preparing For Your Project
We know that a kitchen or bathroom renovation is likely one of the most disruptive home improvement projects you can tackle, as they take place in rooms everyone depends on. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when planning your project and awaiting cabinet arrival.
MEAL PREP
We suggest that while your kitchen is being renovated, you consider a location in your home to set up a temporary meal site – somewhere you can utilize a microwave, toaster, dishes/cutlery etc. Having some frozen meals on hand to heat up can help on a busy evening and save on take out.
EXISTING CABINETRY
Before your installation begins, all cabinetry, contents and appliances must be removed from the work area and relocated to another room.
PAINT
If you are planning to repaint your space, we recommend doing it prior to installation of the new cabinets. It is much easier to complete touch ups after installation than to paint around your new cabinetry, which could become damaged.
FLOORING
HARDWOOD AND TILE should be installed before your cabinetry – including under the base cabinets and island. Should you ever decide to change the layout, your flooring is less likely to become an obstacle or additional cost factor. Advance consultation with your flooring specialist is recommended.
FLOATING AND LAMINATE FLOORING should be installed after your cabinetry. This type of flooring needs space for movement. Again, consultation with your flooring specialist is recommended. A sample of your selected flooring material should be provided to the installer at the time of cabinet installation.
TOE KICK
If the flooring is not in place prior to cabinet installation, we can either install the toe kick, precut to size for you to reinstall once the flooring is done, or schedule a service date later to complete the installation once the flooring is installed.
APPLIANCES AND SINKS
Sinks and cooktops are required on site during the installation process for countertop cutouts. Please remember to place all appliances and fixtures outside the work area.
PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL
Before our installers arrive, all plumbing must be disconnected and capped off. Any electrical disconnection must also be completed (dishwasher, built in ovens, hood vent, switches relocated, etc.)
BACKSPLASH
If you are planning to install tile splash, please advise your designer in advance of the scheduled installation and provide a sample to the installer on site. The installer can either install any light rail moulding allowing for the thickness of the sample tile, or we can schedule a return trip to install the light rail/moulding accordingly after the backsplash installation. In the case of full height slab splash, moulding will need to be installed after.
COUNTERTOP
Laminate countertops are typically installed at the same time as your cabinetry. Solid surface countertops such as granite, quartz, Corian or porcelain require a template to take place once cabinets are installed and then will proceed to fabrication and installation. Plan to be without a sink and countertop for 3-4 weeks after installation of the cabinetry. In some cases, you may be able to ask your contractor to install a temporary sink for use between template and countertop install.
DELIVERY
On the date of delivery, our delivery team requires safe and direct access to your home for the cabinetry to be placed in the appropriate work area. For most projects, the cabinet delivery is typically done the day before the installation. Your new cabinets will be unboxed and placed in or near the designated work areas. Our delivery team will lay down cardboard and/or foam to protect your floors and walls. Drawer boxes will be removed and placed in the nearest available space, with fronts and additional parts. Longer trim pieces (moulding, toe kick etc.) will be left boxed and leaned safely against a wall. This staging of cabinetry may temporarily take up a large area of your home.
DURING THE INSTALLATION
Cutting: Installers should be advised/shown the area to set up their saws and tools upon arrival. Plan space for your installer to cut long-length materials, such as fillers, crown mouldings, light valance, and toe kick. For efficiency during the installation, please be sure to leave as much space as possible close to the kitchen for our installer to work in your home. If a garage is available, that is ideal to be out of the elements and allow the installers to leave their tools set up for the duration of the install.
While it is very compelling to watch our installers at work, this may put you in danger with cords, saws, power drills etc. presenting hazards in the work area. For your own safety, we ask that you, your children, and your pets stay out of work areas.
Should a hidden or pre-existing condition (i.e. bowing or dips in the ceiling, uneven floors, etc.) be encountered during the installation, our installer will notify you and your designer so your designer can make recommendations on the options available. If additional costs apply, the details will be discussed so you can make an informed decision on how you would like us to proceed.
For our Two30Nine process, the average first kitchen cabinet installation trip is anywhere from 2-5 days, depending on the scope of the work and if it is completed by 1 or 2 installers.
On average, 1 to 2 additional service dates will be required after the initial installation. This trip will allow us to install toe kick, light valance (if required), as well as any deficiencies reported from the initial installation. This service trip will be scheduled 3-4 weeks from your initial installation date. Prior to the service trip flooring and backsplash must be completed.
Once your cabinetry installation is completed, your designer will schedule a date and time for a substantial completion walk through with you. Should any deficiencies be found, our project coordinator will contact you to arrange an appointment for our installer to return and remedy them.