Home Services Guidelines and Best Practices
Cabinet Install
Cabinet Install guidelines, FAQs and unit pricing information
January 2017
Are you looking for independent, trustworthy advice about Cabinet Install? Do you need to understand common installation options? If your project calls for Cabinet Install work, the following guidelines and best practices will help you understand: Is a subcontractor really necessary for Cabinet Install work? Will a permit be required? What are common problem areas? How much will Cabinet Install labor cost? What are the important Cabinet Install quality checks that should be included in the work requirements?
Cabinet Install - Frequently Asked Questions
| What is a fair price for Cabinet Install? | Costs vary with project size, job quality and time of year. For typical Cabinet Install expect to pay between $53.25 to $93.19 per linear foot. Additional fees are typically charged for small projects or rush jobs. |
| Is a permit needed for Cabinet Install work? | Design approval and permits from your local building authority are usually not required for Cabinet Install. If your home is subject to homeowner association covenants, you should verify that the Cabinet Install complies with association guidelines. |
| Is it worth using a professional to perform Cabinet Install work? | The appearance, functionality and useful life of the cabinets may be compromised by poor installation. Hire the service provider carefully and tie payment milestones to appropriate quality checks (use the list below). |
| Is Cabinet Install something that I can do myself? | The typical Cabinet Install project involves tasks that are best performed by experienced professionals. Good quality Cabinet Install requires considerable experience, skill and attention to detail. Do it yourself mistakes are noticeable, may be difficulty to remedy and may actually reduce the market value of the project and your home. |
| How many days are typically required to complete the Cabinet Install work? | This work can be completed in 1 to 2 days. |
Cabinet Install - Options, Quality Checks and Important Details
Use the list below to document your expectations for level of detail and finish quality for Cabinet Install. Make sure that relevant information is included in any written contracts or work orders on your project. Before any Cabinet Install work begins, review the checklist with the service provider. Tie payments to satisfactory completion of this checklist.
- The layout, location, style and finish appearance of ALL materials used in Cabinet Install will be approved by owner, before any work begins
- A detailed cabinet layout - showing material placement and all joints/seams - will be reviewed and approved before work begins
- Horizontal and vertical edges of adjacent cabinets will be aligned to within 1/16 inch
- There will be a uniform gap of (choose one): __1/16 inch __1/8 inch __other_____ between the cabinet door and its cabinet opening
- There will be no gap of more than 1/16 inch wide where the cabinet meets adjacent surfaces; a gap (in no cases wider that 1/16 inch) can be hidden by: __scribing __a smooth bead of caulk __ appropriately finished molding
- Vertical edges of cabinets will be plumb to within 1/16 inch in 6 feet
- Installed cabinets will be level to within 1/64 inch in any 2 foot direction
- The cabinet surface and surface finish will be free of surface defects, irregularities and any physical damage
- The cabinets will be solidly attached and not slide, rock, twist or move when used
- The cabinets will be securely anchored to structural framing
- Each cabinet door will open from the side indicated in the project plan; each cabinet door will open and close smoothly with light effort and will not bind, rub or squeak
- Each cabinet door will remain open at any position it is placed
Cabinet Install - Work Milestones and Project Reminders
The following list summarizes work tasks commonly performed during Cabinet Install. These tasks help ensure proper completion of the cabinets work and compliance with common manufacturer and vendor warranty requirements. Make sure that either you or your service provider takes responsibility for each of these tasks. All service provider task responsiblities should be clearly called out in the written contract or work orders.
- Verify that planned Cabinet Install will comply with home owner association requirements
- Complete written contract, including scope of work, quality checks, warranty, timing and payment terms; ensure that contract is signed before work begins
- Review and approve detailed layout / plan that shows location, orientation and placement of cabinets, before any work begins
- Select, specify and order cabinets; verify that type, grade, finish, size, color, any options, and quantity are clearly identified in the order; make sure that delivery date, terms and damage provisions are included in the order
- Manage delivery of cabinets; verify that delivered model #, grade, finish, size, options, and quantity match the order precisely; thoroughly inspect all items for damage and proper operation; make or authorize final payment only after complete order is delivered
- Store cabinets in a secure, dry location that is fully protected from the elements prior to installation
- Acclimate cabinets to typical indoor temperature and humidity for no less than 3 days prior to installation
- Confirm date (and time) for project start with subcontractor - one week and two days prior to project start
- Scribe edges to match contour of mounting surface
- Install cabinets using wood screws (not sheet rock screws), in compliance manufacturer recommendations and applicable local building code(s)
- Inspect Cabinet Install and verify that all quality requirements and punch list items are completed correctly
- Cover and adequately protect the installed cabinets from damage during completion of additional work
- Submit final payment; pay with a check to ensure expense can be verified for tax purposes
