Installation Checklist

This checklist will walk you through each phase of your cabinet installation and offer helpful tips and reminders along the way. To best prepare, we recommend reading the entire list before getting started.

The average cabinet installation can take 3-4 days depending on the size of your project and who is installing. This does not include appliance installation.

• Prior to tearing out your old cabinets, take pictures of the existing space. Everyone will want to see the before and after when it’s all complete.
• Decide if you are hiring a contractor or personally installing your cabinets. Read our article Professional vs DIY Kitchen Remodel. Atlanta Ga customers, ask us about our local installer.
• Have your sink on site ready to install.
• Have all appliances on site that need to be installed. Including but not limited to: dishwasher, range or cooktop, refrigerator, oven, microwave, hardware, etc.
• Clean out the kitchen. Empty your existing cabinets.
• Remove any decor where the installers will be working to avoid personal items being damaged.
• Have a temporary kitchen set up. You will want to have easy access to your food, microwave, and other necessities during the installation.
• Stock up on paper products. Your dishwasher will be disconnected, and you may be limited on space for hand washing dishes.
• Plan for 1-2 days of tearing out old cabinets depending on the size of the project and if you are removing any walls.
• Be sure drywall, flooring, and painting of walls/ceilings is complete before new cabinet installation.
• Dedicate a clean dry area for your new cabinets, appliances, installation tools, assembly, etc. Garages typically work best.
• Plan to assemble your cabinets prior to installation day. The cabinets need at least 24 hours to acclimate before being hung. See our assembly instructions for more information.
• Make arrangements for the disposal of your old cabinets and debris by renting a roll off dumpster that will need to be on site the entirety of the installation.
• Make arrangements for pets and children to be out of the way during installation.
• Have the proper tools ready for installation. If you are hiring a professional, they should have everything needed to complete the job. If you are installing the cabinets yourself read our list of Tools Needed to Assemble and Install New Cabinets.
• If you ordered Assembled cabinets from Prime Cabinetry we recommend letting your installer unbox them. This way they remain sealed off from any dust or debris in the construction zone.

During Installation

We recommend giving yourself a cushion of a week or two when planning your remodel schedule. The cabinet installation should be included in your overall project timeline.

• Have an adult over the age of 18 present or available to answer any installation questions that come up.
• We recommend not installing any additional wall mouldings in the kitchen until the cabinets are completely installed.
• Use a laser level to determine and mark exactly where your new cabinets will be installed.
• If you have an air return in the same room you are installing, consider leaving the central heating or air off while the team is sanding to help contain dust.
• Keep pets and children away from the construction area.
• Reference your manufacturer’s installation guide for any on site modifications to universal cabinets such as a microwave base, tall oven, or farm sink base.

After Installation

• Decorate and take pictures of your kitchen. Then, tag us in your photos @primecabinetry on Facebook and Instagram. Everyone wants to see the beautiful outcome of your remodel.
• Check that all doors and drawers open/close properly.
• Vacuum cabinets out.
• Wipe down the insides of all cabinets and drawers with a damp cloth.Then, dry the insides with a clean microfiber cloth.
• Inspect your cabinets and trim for any areas that may require touching up.
• See our Product Care Guide for tips on how to take care of your cabinets for years to come. We recommend products such as Magic Cabinet & Wood Cleaner for care.
• Refer a friend!