You have to confront. Document all your issues. It needs to be fixed.

Nope, not acceptable at all.

Thanks, Houssaon, I always document issues, etc. I am looking for information I can provide to him to support my concern that they aren't full overlay.

Sometimes, it's an easy fix by adjusting the screws on the hardware where the doors are attached. I hope that is the case for you!

Regardless of the overlay, that door is not acceptable and the doors with the gap are hung wrong.

Dots and Stripes, Yes and I think even if they refuse to fix I could probably adjust them myself but would prefer the builder does it. Builder is a National well-known entity.

Sara, what do you mean by hung wrong? Are you referring to the gap or do you see something I missed?

Neither issue is acceptable. Have you paid them in full? If so, you may have a fight on your hands to get them to correct the overlay spacing and refinish the exteriors. If there is a head office, contact them. Never never pay the last third until you are satisfied. If they are nationally known, they must protect their reputation.

It looks like a filled knot on the door. If you don't like it, discuss whether that door can be replaced. Knots can add interest to wood, but if there's only one filled knot, it can look like a blemish.

Blueberry, it's just the one door, and it looks (upon really close inspection) like they tried to make it go away. The area of stain has obvious wipe marks.

If possible to have another opinion from a pro to review the job...to see if anything major is involved ....There are 55,0000 pictures of full-overlay cabinets on Houzz photos..altho ‘ it is hard to imagine they would contest your complaint...as in any negotiation there are some basic things to remember...no blame...non confrontational demeanor...and a clear expressed belief that they will handle this...if they then object...that is when you can hopefully deduct payment for the repair ...

The blemished door should definitely be replaced ..no matter what they can be persuaded to do at their expense

btydrvn, I agree, I don't think they will fight me on that one but it seems the Construction Manager thinks the gap is full overlay. He's pushing back on that one.

Show him the pictures

This is how tight the gap should be. Just enough to allow the doors to open.

Kitchen Renovation of cabinets with full overlay and counter tops. · More Info

None of this makes sense...how could a construction manager not see that? Sounds like there is something else awry here?...have you discussed this with him yet?

btydrvn, Yes I have. This is typical of these large national home builders. This is the fifth house I've built. That's why I wanted input from everyone so I can go back with the "arguments" on why he's wrong.

The last house (not this one) I built I pointed out how bad the drywall job was, the response was "it looks workmanlike to me." I asked him, "what does workmanlike even mean?" He just ignored me.

Being an older single woman I don't get taken seriously often in these types of scenarios. I wish I could just hold out but they have a very large deposit of mine, and waiting any longer to move in (I am due to move in October 1) isn't possible. I will make sure everything is documented but I know how this goes.

I've shown him the pictures, and he's on-site every day, he sees them in person.

Oh dear...this sounds impossible...seems like a bite the bullet moment ....dont let things.... that are,out of your control.... make you crazy...get this fixed after you are in...say no more ...maybe he will get a heart and relent...🤷🏼‍♀️

Am I understanding this correctly ? You had issues with this builder before but you still went with him on this project. or are you just saying all builders give you problems. IMO as a woman you need to pull up the big girl panties and be firm, you want this fixed. As for the doors a lot of the issue with the different gaps is adjusting the eupopean hinges. But the blemish needs that door replaced. IMO you can move in and wait for a cabinet door there is no way to guarantee that will arrive before move in .

Photo

Patricia, five different homes, five different builders. This particular one has been great until now. I've been to the house weekly and so far everything has been quality.

He's pushing back on the cabinets, not sure why. The reason I started this thread was to have additional information to support my argument of the full overlay issue.

I'm fairly certain the knotted door they will replace without issue. I wanted input from here just to make sure I wasn't being too picky.

Does this Builder have a model home that has these overlay cabinets that you could use as a comparison? Or is a designer involved that could help you through this with the Builder? Can you get any help from the cabinet manufacturer who can confirm that they were hung correctly? I know you have 5 experiences with Builders so I almost feel stupid asking these questions but then again you paid extra so just wondering if there is another way of help besides a Construction Manager who may not have any experience with overlay cabinets and who just is assuming that is the way they should be and is ready to move onto the next house... Good luck...

tedbixby, good point, and yes they have 14 model homes, I am sure one of them has a full overlay.

Industry standard gap between cabinet doors that are meant to butt up to each other(no stile reveal) either in inset cabinets or full overlay is 3/32"-1/8" max. Anything bigger = someone screwed up. On the sides for full overlay, the standard reveal is 1/4" of the frame. These are universally recognized standards, so I don't see how he can "push back." It's either right or it's wrong.

Let's not overreact. The doors can be adjusted at the hinge and the builder can easily do that. Ask them to replace the door that has an issue.

Here is a video in case the doors need adjustment in the years to come.

Include a measurement tape in you photo. Do a close up so every one can see the size of the gap.

Super Lumen, Beverly, and houssaon, all good points. I'll do some photos with measuring tape this weekend. Lumen, thanks for the heads up on standards. Beverly, I sent him an email asking for him to replace the bad door and to adjust the doors (in some cases also level). I'll see what that gets me.

Good luck!

Beverly is right: the gap is, or should be an easy fix, just by adjusting the screws. Most hinges are designed to adjust in all directions. Your contractor should do that in this instance. However, the doors do shift over time, so it is worth learning how to do it ourselves also. With an installation, I would probably expect them to leave this to the end of the project (possibly hoping you'll do it before they have to).

As for the knot, if the doors have knots on them I would consider that a design feature. If one door has one knot, then I would expect it replaced. That sounds like a design flaw.

Nick, if the Construction Manager (CM) drags his feet on the knotty ( so wanted to write naughty!) door I am going to steal your words to reply. Thanks.

I would say “there’s a big honking hole in the middle of my cabinets and a freaking skid mark. Please fix both of these issues this week. “

I adjust my cabinets myself. Mine are solid maple and when it's humid the wood swells and they rub or overlap. When the air is dry they seperate and sometimes have gaps like yours. They are easy to adjust with a screw driver.