Project Overview
This scope covers cabinet installation including receiving, layout verification, wall and base cabinet installation, hardware, and trim. Applicable to kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and built-in cabinetry.
Typical Projects Include:
- Kitchen cabinet installation
- Bathroom vanity installation
- Laundry room cabinets
- Garage storage cabinets
- Built-in bookcase or entertainment center
- Cabinet refacing or replacement
Scope of Work
Receiving & Prep
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Delivery Inspection | Receive cabinets and inspect for damage. Report any issues to the supplier immediately. |
| Layout Verification | Verify wall measurements match the cabinet layout. Mark stud locations and cabinet positions on the wall. |
| Wall Prep | Ensure walls are flat and patched. Install backing or blocking for upper cabinets if not already in place. |
| Utility Coordination | Confirm plumbing, electrical, and appliance rough-ins are in the correct locations for the cabinet layout. |
Installation
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Upper Cabinets | Install upper (wall) cabinets first. Level, plumb, and secure to studs. Shim as needed. |
| Base Cabinets | Install base cabinets. Level across the run and shim to account for uneven floors. |
| Specialty Cabinets | Install corner cabinets, pantry cabinets, and any specialty units per the layout. |
| Fillers & Panels | Install filler strips, end panels, and decorative panels per the design. |
Finish & Details
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Doors & Drawers | Install and adjust all doors and drawer fronts. Ensure consistent gaps and alignment. |
| Hardware | Install pulls, knobs, and hinges. Template all hardware for consistent placement. |
| Crown & Trim | Install crown molding, light rail, and trim pieces per the design. |
| Final Adjustment | Make final adjustments to doors, drawers, and hardware. Walk with client. |
Timeline & Milestones
Cabinet installation typically takes 2-5 days depending on the kitchen size and complexity.
| Phase | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Receiving & Prep | 0.5-1 day | Delivery inspection, layout check, and wall prep. |
| Installation | 1-3 days | Upper and base cabinet installation. |
| Finish & Details | 1-2 days | Doors, hardware, crown, and final adjustments. |
Roles & Responsibilities
Property Owner / GC
- •Order cabinets and ensure delivery before install date
- •Ensure walls are ready (painted, flat, studs marked)
- •Provide access and clear workspace
- •Process payments per the agreed schedule
Cabinet Installer
- •Inspect cabinets at delivery
- •Install all cabinets level, plumb, and per layout
- •Install doors, drawers, and hardware
- •Install crown and trim
- •Make final adjustments
Materials & Equipment
Cabinets
- •Wall cabinets
- •Base cabinets
- •Specialty cabinets (corners, pantry)
- •Filler strips and end panels
Hardware & Trim
- •Pulls, knobs, and hinges
- •Crown molding
- •Light rail and trim
- •Cabinet screws and shims
Tools
- •Level (4-foot and torpedo)
- •Clamps
- •Drill and impact driver
- •Miter saw for crown and trim
Quality Control Standards
Level & Plumb
All cabinets are level and plumb. Uppers align across the run, bases are level front to back and side to side.
Door Alignment
All doors are aligned with consistent gaps. No rubbing, sticking, or misalignment.
Secure Mounting
Every cabinet is secured to wall studs — not just drywall. No movement or racking.
Safety Protocols
Lifting
Upper cabinets are heavy — use a cabinet jack or two-person lift. Don't try to hold and screw alone.
Tool Safety
Use proper PPE with saws and drills. Keep work area clean to prevent trips.
Electrical Awareness
Know where wiring runs before drilling into walls. Turn off circuits in the work area.
Project Documentation
- Signed contract and scope of work
- Cabinet layout drawing
- Cabinet order and packing list
- Damage report (if applicable)
- Hardware placement template
- Warranty information
Financial Terms
Payment Structure
Cabinet installation labor is typically billed as a flat fee or per cabinet, separate from cabinet cost.
Terms & Conditions
- •Deposit due at scheduling
- •Final payment due after installation and walkthrough
- •Cabinet purchase is typically separate from installation labor
- •Additional work (crown, trim, modifications) may be extra
- •Damage claims must be filed with the cabinet supplier
Acceptance Criteria & Sign-Off
The project is considered complete when the following criteria are met:
- 1All cabinets installed per the approved layout
- 2Level and plumb throughout the installation
- 3Doors and drawers operate smoothly with consistent gaps
- 4Hardware installed at consistent heights and positions
- 5Crown and trim installed cleanly
- 6No damaged cabinets in the finished installation
Frequently Asked Questions
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