Great idea!
Once we chose handles and knobs that were a bit too shallow/short… very easy to scratch the finish with even short fingernails! Pullouts…drawer/shelf inside cabinets are very annoying.

Have realistic expectations on how long a remodel takes from start to finish. ETAS of materials vary. Be flexible for the unexpected. Order ahead of time & please plan accordingly.

Give all appliance specs, model #s with expected delivery times to the manager of project.

mama goose_gw zn6OH Would it work if the range hood was 30" (30" slide-in range) and upper cabinets were spaced 3" away from the sides of the range hood? Or are you suggesting a 36" range hood with upper cabinets touching the side of the range hood?

Don’t assume a request is easy or too hard. Ask you may be surprised. I thought cabinets to the ceiling would be too expensive and bumping out the wall to recess my fridge would be easy. I was wrong on both accounts but very glad I asked.

Maybe add in with the countertop advice something like…

If you do an overhang for seating, the underneath of the overhang won’t be finished all pretty like the top. It might show that ugly mesh stuff, maybe stamps of the lot # etc, or unfinished plywood if that is used underneath. If you want the underneath finished nicely, that is not the fabricators’ job or included in the price.

Hopefully less wordy then that! Ha!

Great idea.

For most projects: In the end it will cost twice as much and take twice as long, compared to any quotes at the start of the project!

On countertops: You will have an EDGE PROFILE to select. Not to mistake this for your corner specifications. Inside and outside corners for your countertops must be specified for the type of radius (or clip) it will have. If you want it square as possible, then eased corners is what you want. Otherwise, specify an amount (ie. 3/4" radius). For inside corners, if you have and L or U shaped top, specify if you you want the corner SQUARE...or if you are OK with it having a radius.

1. Edge profile...it's how they rout the edge along the whole countertop

2. Rounded or square inside corners. Don't assume!
2 inside corner examples

two OUTSIDE corner examples:

3. Keep in mind you must also specify the sink cutout if you want it other than STANDARD!

Most companies will do an eased edge with slightly rounded inside corners as standard. ASK! If you wanted a rounded edge and a square inside corner, must specify!!! Or eased edge and square corners to match your sink...again, must specify. Some companies can only do the square inside corners if done by hand. Their CNC machines cannot do it! Which is why is costs more $$$.

Sorry if confusing

If needed, explain the Quality/Cost/Speed relationship:

Pick two:

These days that blue circle needs to be removed. Ain’t no such thing as a fast kitchen remodel - even a cheap crappy one. Hell, an expensive, slow, and crappy kitchen remodeling experience is realistic in this environment. Do your homework. If something sounds too good to be true, it is. Your contractor can start in two weeks? Don’t use him. He can get cabinets in 4 weeks? No. A gut remodel on a six week timeframe? Run for the hills.

Add finish on underside of cabinets. Don’t assume it will be finished the same as doors.

Also ask about trim at base of cabinet e.g think of how it will look on the island vs just toe kick on cabinets

Cabinets to the ceiling: If you want your cabinets to the ceiling, a double stacked top molding will help minimize uneven ceilings. If you want something more modern/plain, then a single horizontal filler board with scribe will also work. Full overlay or frameless cabinets need more wiggle room for moldings if you go to the ceiling. Inset or partial overlay cabinets are more forgiving.

I would add to your point #3 about seams in countertops that for stone counters people MUST go to fabricator's to review the template layout. I think there is a post on this forum at least once a week about people saying they had no idea a seam would be located where it is, or that the direction of the veins would be "that direction", or that the flow of the stone pattern is disrupted by two adjoining pieces, or their favorite part is not in the island, or their least favorite part is in the island.

There must be hundreds of posters who have said they had no idea that they should go to the template layout. Even though it's discussed repeatedly here and on other websites.

@RoyHobbs Was going to comment the same thing!

Definitely add that they need to review and sign off on the layout before fabrication starts. If the fabricator tells them they can't provide a template for review/approval, then find a different fabricator.

In addition to fridge door issues, remember that oven and dishwasher doors may also be an issue. Doors need to clear the hardware of side cabinets if stove or DW is next to a corner. Also, be sure there is a comfortable amount of standing space to use the appliances.

i have had some problems with the pull out drawers in my kitchen cabinets. My designer mentioned that they would safely hold 75 pounds, but mine don’t. (i have a drawer dedicated to foil, wax paper, sand and freezer bags and a huge box of plastic wrap. No to the plastic wrap so it sits on the counter. My old cabinets held it all for at least as long as Costco has sold that huge box of wrap!

Oh, my pullout drawers are screwed into the sides, making them not adjustable. I didn’t get this info until after installation, so no choice in heights, Think—-no cereal boxes fit on the lower drawers. No canned or jarred items either. too heavy..