Key Takeaways:
- Always perform a thorough cabinet inspection before accepting your new cabinets to check for any visible damage or discrepancies.
- Verify the size and dimensions of the new kitchen cabinets against your cabinet order to ensure a perfect fit for your kitchen remodel.
- Check the construction quality, including the materials and cabinet box, to ensure durability and strength.
- Inspect the hardware and accessories, including cabinet hinges, roll-out trays, and any additional components, for proper function.
- Review the shipping documentation, such as the packing slip and bill of lading, to ensure all components are accounted for and match the cabinet shipment.
When you're expecting a new kitchen cabinet delivery, it's easy to feel excited about the upcoming transformation in your home. However, before you get caught up in the anticipation, there’s one crucial task to complete: the cabinet inspection. Ensuring that your new kitchen cabinets are up to standard is the first step toward a successful kitchen remodel. Before you accept delivery, it’s important to thoroughly assess the quality of your cabinet order and check for any potential issues that could affect your cabinet installation. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the necessary steps for a cabinet quality inspection to ensure everything is in top shape.
Why Cabinet Inspection is Crucial
A cabinet inspection isn’t just about checking for visible defects. It is a comprehensive process that can save you time and money in the long run. If there are issues with your new kitchen cabinets, addressing them early can help prevent delays and extra costs during installation. A thorough cabinet inspection ensures that you’re receiving what you’ve paid for, meets your kitchen design needs, and aligns with the delivery guidelines provided by your cabinet supplier. Below, we’ll walk you through the new cabinet checklist that will help you complete a proper inspection.
1. Check for Visible Damage
One of the first things to inspect is any visible damage to the kitchen cabinets. Look for scratches, dents, cracks, or any other signs of physical damage on the surface. Even if the packaging appears intact, it’s possible that the cabinet shipment may have been mishandled during delivery. Make sure to inspect all sides of the cabinet box, including the back and hidden areas, as they may also show signs of damage. If you spot any issues, document them immediately with photos and notify your customer care team.
Look carefully at the cabinet doors for proper alignment. They should open and close smoothly without resistance. Check the hinges for any damage or loose screws that may affect the functionality. For custom cabinets, ensure that the finish, whether wood cabinets or laminate, is consistent and as per the agreed-upon specifications.
2. Verify the Correct Size and Dimensions
Before you get too excited about the design, confirm that the new kitchen cabinets fit your kitchen remodel needs. Double-check that the dimensions of each cabinet box match what you specified in your cabinet order. This is crucial, as even a slight difference in measurements can cause problems during cabinet installation. If you're replacing existing cabinets, ensure the new ones fit into the original space without leaving gaps that could disrupt your kitchen design.
When measuring, don’t forget to check the height, depth, and width of each cabinet. If you have tall cabinets, like tall cabinets or a drop zone area, make sure those fit within the allotted space in your kitchen. If you're working with a 3D rendering of your kitchen design, use it to compare the actual cabinet box sizes and placement.
3. Inspect the Construction Quality
The quality of construction is an essential aspect of your cabinet quality inspection. Take a close look at the materials used in the kitchen cabinets. For wood cabinets, check for even grain patterns and the quality of wood used. Ensure that the edges of the cabinet box and doors are smooth and properly finished. Weak construction can lead to long-term issues such as warping or bowing.
Also, check the sturdiness of the cabinet box. Gently apply pressure to see if the sides are solid or if they bow under weight. The cabinet installation will be much easier if the construction is solid and reliable. For stock cabinets or custom cabinets, you’ll want to ensure that the construction follows proper industry standards for durability.
4. Check the Hardware and Accessories
During a cabinet inspection, don’t overlook the hardware and accessories that come with your new cabinets. These include cabinet hinges, pulls, handles, and roll-out trays. Make sure all the necessary hardware is included in your cabinet order, and ensure that it’s of good quality. Check that the cabinet hinges are sturdy and function properly.
For custom cabinets, check the drawer types and make sure the sliding mechanisms work smoothly. Test roll-out trays or other movable parts to confirm they glide without sticking. Inspect storage areas inside the cabinet box, ensuring there are no defects in the shelves or drawer interiors. If your cabinets have soft-close mechanisms, test them to make sure they operate quietly and smoothly.
5. Inspect the Finish and Paint
The finish of your new kitchen cabinets is a key factor in both aesthetics and longevity. Examine the paint or stain on cabinet doors and the cabinet box to ensure there are no chips, smudges, or uneven areas. If you're using natural wood products, look for consistent staining or varnishing. For painted cabinets, ensure the paint is evenly applied and free of bubbles, drips, or visible brush strokes.
If you're dealing with stock cabinets, the finish might not be as high-quality as custom cabinets, but it should still meet the basic standards for durability. Look for any signs of wear or chipping from the delivery process or temperature extremes during transportation.
6. Confirm the Accessories and Touch-up Kit
Check that all the additional components, like trim pieces, touch-up kits, and installation instructions, are included with the shipment. These items are crucial for completing the cabinet installation properly. A touch-up kit can be invaluable for fixing minor scratches that may occur after installation.
Ensure that all components match the specifications outlined in your design packet and cabinet order. If anything is missing, contact your customer service team immediately to resolve the issue.
7. Review the Shipping Documentation
Before you officially accept the delivery, take a moment to review the packing slip and bill of lading. These documents should match the quantity and description of the kitchen cabinet shipment. Verify that the correct number of cabinets, components, and accessories were delivered. If there are discrepancies, make note of them and ensure they’re resolved before signing off on the delivery.
8. Final Checks Before Signing off
Before you finalize the cabinet delivery and installation process, ensure that the delivery teams have placed the cabinets in an appropriate storage area to avoid damage during the renovation. If there are any damage signs, report them immediately to the supplier and document everything thoroughly. Make sure you have proper access to your cabinets before beginning installation, and that they have been stored in optimal conditions to avoid any issues during the renovation process.
Why a Thorough Cabinet Inspection Sets You Up for a Successful Kitchen Remodel
A cabinet inspection is a vital step in ensuring that your new kitchen cabinets meet your expectations. Taking the time to check for visible damage, verify the size, inspect the construction quality, and confirm the accessories are included will help you avoid potential issues down the line. When you follow the new cabinet checklist, you’re not only protecting your investment but also setting the stage for a successful kitchen remodel.
By performing a comprehensive cabinet quality inspection, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free cabinet installation, ultimately leading to a beautiful, functional kitchen that enhances your home for years to come. Contact Bradco Kitchen & Bath today.
The post What to Inspect Before Accepting Your New Kitchen Cabinets appeared first on Bradco Kitchens & Baths.
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