If you’re renovating an old kitchen, the first course of action must be to remove all existing cabinetry from the space.
We recommend hiring a contractor to perform demolition.
Pro tip: If the cabinet is still in good shape, it may be worth putting up an online ad for a quick profit or upcycle it.
However you want to do it, those cabinets have to go before your new ones can go up!
Next step is to make sure all electrical outlets and plumbing points are prepared. Here’s a list of items:
Depending on the project, this step could be lengthy and overwhelming. Planning all utility locations with your kitchen design will drastically simplify your installation process down the road. We highly recommend working with a licensed contractor on this task.
Before the cabinets go in, it’s much easier to finish the wall with primer and paint now.
If you’re installing new windows or doors in your kitchen, make sure the surrounding trim has been installed.
For the majority of floor types, cabinets are installed on the finished product. That means that you’ll need to have the floor put in before kitchen installation. And the area under base cabinet also needs to be covered by flooring too.
The only exception to this rule is laminate floating floors. This particular type of flooring must be installed after cabinets are in.
For custom cabinetry, a spacious work site is crucial.
For one, cabinet delivery doesn’t usually happen on the same day as installation. Your cabinets will need somewhere safe to stay for at least one day, if not longer. A kitchen’s cabinetry system, packed into cardboard boxes, takes up a substantial amount of room. You might think that using your garage will be fine, but the temperature fluctuation in an unregulated space like that could cause damage to the cabinets. Ideally, you’ll have sufficient space indoors that’s close to the kitchen too, so your installers have easy access.
Secondly your installer need extra space to work and modify your cabinets if needed.
A lot of contractors in the industry won’t work outside, as it’s a liability to their tools. You’ll need to check with your installation crew if that’s okay ahead of time.
Once you have these essentials ready to go, you might want to touch base with your installer in case there’s anything else they need.
For example, if you’re installing a tile backsplash, your installer will likely want to know the tile thickness. That thickness will determine how the cabinetry’s light valance should be set. Or, your installer may need your sink and stove cut-out templates and specifications on hand.
Every installer works a little differently, so it’s crucial you keep communication lines open.