Kitchen Remodeling: Some Of The Most Common Cabinet Installation Mistakes

Mistakes made during the installation of new kitchen cabinets are one of the biggest reasons that kitchen renovation projects are delayed. When this happens, it leaves the homeowner with a partially functioning (or non-functioning kitchen), and questions about how much longer it is going to take to finish their remodel. Although most of these problems can be avoided with proper and diligent planning, there are still a variety of things that can go wrong with any kitchen project. Here are some of the most common mistakes that are made during the installation of cabinets.

Poor Measurements

Making sure that all cabinet measurements are made accurately is the number one way to avoid delays in your remodeling project. This encompasses all measurements and means that you need to have accurate measurements of the height of the ceiling, from wall-to-wall, doors, windows and anything else that may break up or effect cabinet alignment.

New Appliances

If you are replacing your old appliances with new appliances, make sure that you measure the spaces for them according to the new appliances, rather than the old. Although you may be using standard sized appliances, keep in mind that standards sometimes change and you’re better safe than sorry.

Informal Layouts

Even if you are trying to do the entire remodel on your own, you should use a professional design layout. This is a service that is sometimes offered for free if you buy your cabinets in a large home center. Other places will give you a design layout for a small fee. Either way, this will help you keep all placement and measurements organized so that you can avoid any delays.

Improperly Calculated Ceiling Height

One of the easiest ways to cause problems with your installation is to miscalculate the size and height of upper cabinets. Tall ceilings can minimize standard-sized cabinets. You may also want to place them at different heights depending on who will be using them. To be safe, always measure and make sure that everything is appropriately sized.

Wrong Hardware

Although this usually results in only a short delay, always make sure that you have the appropriate number of knobs, handles, pulls and other hardware items for your cabinets. To maintain your safety, make sure you are using the proper size fasteners to fasten your cabinets to the wall.

Not Accounting For Plumbing

Plumbing must be very accurately installed in order to work properly with your dishwashers, sinks, refrigerators and faucets. This is another reason why it is important to have a professional design layout. This will help both you and your plumber ensure that everything is in the proper place from start to finish.

Not Planning For Lighting

Like plumbing, it is important to do all of your lighting planning before getting started, rather than halfway through the project. If you are using recessed lighting, for example, you should have your electrician perform most of the work before you get started. Otherwise, you might discover that you need to undo some of the work that you have already done to get the job done.

Although these are only a handful of the things that can delay your project, they are some of the most common and easiest to fix. If there is one thing that you do, make sure you thoroughly plan and prepare for your kitchen remodel before getting started.