A cabinet and countertop remodel can transform your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room and make a big impact on the value of your home. While you might find yourself focused on the exciting end result, understanding the process before getting started can help you reduce stress, avoid surprises, and keep the project running smoothly.
Here’s what to expect during a cabinet and countertop remodel — from planning to the final walkthrough.
Initial Consultation & Measurements
The remodel process will begin with a consultation to understand your goals, preferences, expectations, and any other important details. During this phase, we will receive a set of plans, or you’ll bring masic measurements to our showroom, and we will discuss layout options, materials, budget, and timeline.
Initial drawings are estimates, and details will be added later after an official field measurement is performed (we prefer to have the demolition work done prior to the field measurement and final paperwork).
It’s important to note that precise measurements are crucial, especially if you’re installing new countertops, and we won’t start work until we have verified measurements.
Designing
During this phase, you will choose the styles, colors, finishes, hardware, profiles, and layout you want. If you’re also receiving countertops, you’ll pick the material (quartz, granite, quartzite, or marble) and edge style.
Cabinets and countertops often take three to 10 weeks to manufacture, depending on whether they are ready-to-assemble (RTA), semi-custom, or fully custom. The more complicated the project and design choices, the longer it will take.
This phase can take time, and changes can add days or even weeks. The amount of time spent designing rests a lot on your decision-making skills.
Demolition (Removal of Existing Cabinets/Countertops)
During this phase, you will remove the old cabinets and countertops. We can also do this removal for you for a fee, though we do not offer plumbing or electrical services. You can delay this step until your new cabinets and countertops are delivered, though you risk having inaccurate measurements.
You should discuss dust mitigation steps, such as plastic barriers or floor protection, in advance. However, even with proper preparation, there will still be plenty of noise and dust. You may also lose access to your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room. Expect one to three days for demolition.
Electrical & Plumbing Adjustments
Once we take out the old cabinets, we may uncover hidden issues, such as old wiring, weak plumbing, or uneven walls, that need to be repaired before we can install new cabinets or countertops.
Unplanned adjustments are common in home renovation projects, so you should budget a 10 to 20% contingency.
Manufacturing/Ordering Materials
We start manufacturing cabinets after the hardware, sinks, and countertops are ordered and the cabinet installation time approaches. Countertop fabrication can’t start until cabinets are installed and templated.
Note that lead times can vary widely, and supply-chain delays can happen.
Cabinet Installation
During the installation process, our experienced installers level and secure the base and wall cabinets, making adjustments for slightly uneven walls, floors, or ceilings. Cabinets must be installed accurately for the countertops to fit properly.
Installation will take one to five days, depending on the project size. Expect plenty of noise, workers coming in and out of your home, and some mess.
Countertop Template
After we install your cabinets, a countertop field measurer will come to create a digital template, which is precise, down to fractions of an inch. You should already have a decision made about sinks and faucets, and have the area of measurement clear and easily accessible.
Note that no changes can be made after templating.
Countertop Fabrication
During this phase, we cut, polish, and finish your countertops at a fabrication shop. Fabricators rarely cut corners and speed up this step. The curing, cutting, and scheduling all take time.
Countertop Installation
Installers set the slabs, level, seam, and secure them. Quartz and granite installation generally occurs one to seven days after templating. During this phase, plumbing for the sink will be temporarily unavailable as adhesives need time to cure. Installation can take a few hours to one day.
Plumbing & Appliance Reconnection
After countertop installation, you will need to contact a plumber to reconnect your sink, dishwasher, disposal, and other fixtures. This usually happens 24 hours after countertop installation (could be longer for undermount sinks that need curing time).
Backsplash Installation (If Applicable)
A full-height backsplash will require a second template to be done after the countertops are installed, but a standard four-inch backsplash can usually be installed at the same time as the countertops. You will need to add one to three days for installation, plus drying/grout time.
Touch-Ups & Final Walkthrough
During the final walkthrough, we will:
- Adjust cabinet doors/drawers
- Install trim, toe-kicks, fillers, or caulking that may have been delayed due to the needs of other subcontractors.
- Review everything with the installer.
Catch-ups will usually be performed all at once to avoid multiple trips.
A Remodel Worth the Wait
While a cabinet and the end result is a beautiful space designed specifically for your needs. Knowing what to expect at each step will help you feel confident and prepared throughout the process.
If you’re considering a cabinet or countertop remodel, working with Out of the Woods will ensure a smoother experience and long-lasting results.
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