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cefreeman_gw

Punch Lists

11 years ago

Based on a few, "Is this OK" threads here, I thought it might be helpful to have a standard-type punch list for people who are ready to sign off on their kitchens and/or renos. I'm hoping the KDs here will chime in.

I'll start: Drawers that open well, not impeded by lack of spacers.
Soft closers are installed and work.
Cabinet doors are hung straight. i.e. plumb and level. Check your miters.
Check any veneers for adhesion.
Drawer fronts are installed plumb, level, and in line with the ones above and below, spaced well between each other.
Do pull-outs (you must be new here) pull out smoothly and with full extension?
Hardware is aligned with the other hardware, up, down, side to side.
Cabinet end pieces are installed.
Crown molding is installed and corners look good. Lined up, mitered properly, and caulked & painted where necessary.
(Get this) Kitchen faucet has its stoppers in right, so it doesn't spin over the countertops on either side.
Is your sink caulked? Is it in straight? Is it centered?
See if your garbage disposer works.
Can you turn on your water? Pressure? Does it leak underneath your sink?
Is the oven set right? If it's a stove top, is it in straight? Set correctly? Does it work? Is it caulked?
Your hood. Is it at the proper height? Where does it vent? Does it work? Is it unGodly loud?
Your lights.
Are the ceiling pot lights in the correct places?
Are your pendants centered how you'd like them? Are they level? Do they work?
Are any 2-way switches working properly?
Is your UCL installed well? No wires? IMHO, it should be at the front of the cabinets. Where are the switches?
DW.
Does it work? How does it affect your water pressure?
Does your wine cooler cool? (Do people really need this?)
Coffee station. Does it make espresso to go with your Reese's cups? Does it work?
Tile. Floor and/or back splash.
Is there lippage? Cracks?
Grout all over? Did they use the right color of grout?
Bullnose where necessary?
Is it sealed?
Is any stray caulk removed, rather than painted over?
Is the drywall finished well? No nail pops, no tape showing through?
Is it painted well? All drips cleaned up. Smears off the cabinets and woodwork. Ceiling line cut in well?
Countertops:
If you have laminate, are the edges routed well? Seams well done? Smooth? (Slide a penny across the counter & make sure it'll slide over the seams.)
Stone. (Someone else's gotta jump in here)
Butcherblock? Smooth? Sealed as you'd asked?
Does your fridge open well? Not impeded by lack of space? Does it work?
Does your icemaker work? You've got your warranty papers?
Did they clean their hand prints off the cabinets, woodwork and trim? Did they sweep up and pick up the garbage reno creates?
Have you posted pictures of your kitchen on Gardenweb?

I've gotta stop. There was a lot more in my head than I'd expected.
What have you learned that you should have noticed?
What would you tell the next person who is ready to sign off?

Comments (4)

  • PRO
    11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Set a level over your countertop seams. It should not rock or have dips below it. Any direction you set the level should read level.

  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    As we are coming to the completion of our kitchen reno, this post is quite timely. Thank you!

  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    I would add:
    This list presumes you checked the structural elements of the room before the kitchen went in....but make sure they all remained in good working order following the kitchen installation...windows open and close, doors open and shut (back stops installed), light switches still turn the lights turn on and off, all molding still properly installed and intact.
    On the cabinet doors I would add to check that they open and close properly and stay fully closed.
    On the countertops, I would add to check for gashes, dings, cracks and chips and to particularly check where the countertop meets the sink.
    If intended to be "child proof" check that all locks etc are installed and working.
    Floor molding properly installed?
    Where is your fire extinguisher? Have you added its expiration date to your calendar?
    If installing a range make sure it was anchored so that it cannot flip forward.
    Are all appliances properly leveled?
    Save all of your manuals, warranty and any required proof of purchase into a location where you can find them, such as hole punched and put in a three ring binder...look at the warranties to make sure that there is not something unexpected in them that you should be aware of....like required cleaning or maintenance. If there is any, put it on your calendar NOW. Also put in the name and phone numbers of the subs so you know who to call.

  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Oh, a good one:

    Make certain your DW is screwed in at the top so it doesn't slam forward when the racks are extended! Just sayin'