The time it takes to complete an installation depends on how extensive and detailed your home design is. To enjoy a stress-free, successful installation, create a project plan that lists all of the major dates related to the order, delivery and installation of your cabinets.
Need a bit more guidance? No problem. The following suggestions will help you eliminates stress and successfully plan for the installation of your cabinets. You can use the budget calculator to estimate the total cost of your project. You can also download KraftMaid's Project Planner (PDF), a document that you can print out and use to help with the planning process.
Step 1: Work with Your Team of Professionals
Before the installation begins, schedule a collaborative meeting with your designer, installer and subcontractors. (Your installer and contractor may be the same person). The goal of this meeting will be to establish which professional will be doing what, where and when throughout the course of the project. Include all dates that come from this meeting into your project plan.
Over-communicate with your team. You’re investing in their advice as well as their talent and experience, so ask as many questions as you need to in order to be comfortable with the process.
Step 2: Create a Timeline and Get it in Writing
Your personal project plan is slightly different from the project timeline that you create and approve with your installer, although you will want to include these dates into your personal project plan as well.
Meet with your installer, or general contractor, to agree on dates for each milestone of the project: from home measurement, to cabinetry selection to cabinetry installation. Get this timeline in writing and have the installer sign-off for approval. You should also ask about local building permits as they will vary by city and state.
Throughout the project, establish check points with the installer to confirm that the project is on time and on budget and that unexpected issues are addressed immediately. This can help prevent lengthy delays and costly impacts to your budget.
Key Dates to Include in Your Project Plan
In addition to the dates you’ve established with your team of professionals, the following events are also good to include in your project plan:
1. The date your KraftMaid order was placed
2. The delivery date of your KraftMaid cabinetry, appliances, countertop, etc.
3. All scheduled meetings with the kitchen designer and installer. (When documenting these meetings, include what you hope to accomplish during that meeting).
4. The dates of any finance meetings, deadlines and payments
5. Ideal dates to remove existing cabinets, furniture and major appliances from the project room
6. Dates/times when electricity and water will be shut off in your project room
7. Cabinet installation start date
8. Established check-in points during the installation when you will discuss progress with your installer
9. Any additional project milestones such as electrical completion, plumbing connection and countertop installation
Insider Tip 1: Plan the date of the installation carefully
When selecting the best time for the installation of your cabinetry, review your personal calendar for major family events such as holidays or celebrations. These are times when you will need easy access to your entire home and will not want to showcase a room under construction. Additionally, in your excitement, do not remove furniture from your old kitchen until your new products arrive. Work closely with your installer to determine these dates accordingly and appropriately.
Insider Tip 2: Expect the unexpected and remain flexible
Even the best laid plans can encounter a minor bump or two. Be aware and prepared that unexpected things can happen during the renovation that may impact your schedule. Discuss your design plans with your installer and get his insight into potential obstacles and how they can be avoided.
What to Expect after the Installation
The installer can help you become familiar with the KraftMaid products. After the project is complete, schedule a follow-up meeting with the installer so that he can walk you through the room, highlight how things work and inform you of any adjustments that may be necessary after daily wear on cabinetry.
Have a few questions on the role of each design professional with tips on how to work with each role? Read our suggestions for working with an installer, working with a kitchen designer and working with an interior designer.