For Colorado homeowners embarking on a kitchen or bathroom renovation, the timing of custom cabinets installation is a critical factor in ensuring a smooth and successful project. These bespoke pieces are often the heart of your new space, so understanding where they fit into the overall renovation timeline and what preparations are needed is paramount.

How Custom Cabinet Installation Fits Into the Overall Renovation Timeline

Fully installed custom cabinets in a modern kitchen, featuring clean lines, ample storage, and a stylish, built-in design.
Installing custom cabinets at the right stage of your renovation ensures a seamless fit, elevating both function and style in your space.

Think of a home renovation as a carefully choreographed dance, and custom cabinets are a central performer. Their installation isn’t the first step, nor is it typically the last. Here’s a general sequence that optimizes the process:

  1. Design and Planning (Initial Weeks/Months): This is where your vision for your custom cabinets comes to life. You’ll work with a designer to finalize layouts and choose materials, finishes, and hardware. This phase can take several weeks, as detailed plans are crucial for custom work.
  2. Order Placement and Fabrication (8-12 Weeks Lead Time): Once designs are approved, your custom cabinets are ordered and fabricated. This is a significant lead time, so placing your order early in the renovation process is essential to avoid delays. During this time, other rough construction work can proceed.
  3. Demolition and Rough-In (Weeks 1-2 of Construction): Old cabinets are removed, and the “bones” of your kitchen or bathroom are exposed. This is when plumbing lines, electrical wiring, and ventilation systems are adjusted or installed according to your new layout. It’s crucial that all these “rough-ins” are completed and inspected before cabinet installation.
  4. Drywall, Flooring, and Painting (Weeks 2-4 of Construction): Walls are patched, drywalled, primed, and painted. Flooring, whether tile, hardwood, or LVP, is typically installed before the custom cabinets. This ensures a clean finish and avoids having to cut flooring around installed units.
  5. Custom Cabinet Delivery and Acclimation (Just Before Installation): Your carefully crafted custom cabinets will be delivered. It’s often recommended they acclimate to your home’s humidity and temperature for a few days to prevent warping or shifting after installation. A designated, protected storage area on the same floor as the installation is ideal.
  6. Custom Cabinet Installation (Days 3-5 of Construction): This is the exciting part! Professional installers will meticulously fit and secure your custom cabinets. This phase typically takes a few days, depending on the size and complexity of your project.
  7. Countertop Templating and Installation (1-2 Weeks After Cabinets): Once your base custom cabinets are precisely in place, countertops can be measured for fabrication. After fabrication, they are installed, which can take another week or two.
  8. Appliance and Fixture Installation, Finishing Touches: Appliances are installed, sinks and faucets are connected, and backsplashes, hardware, and lighting are added to complete your stunning new space.

What to Prepare Before Your Custom Cabinets Are Delivered and Installed

Preparation is key to a seamless custom cabinets installation. Before your cabinets arrive, ensure the following are completed:

  • Empty and Clear the Space: Remove all old cabinets, appliances, and personal belongings from the renovation area. The space should be completely cleared and ready for work.
  • Walls are Finished: All drywall work, patching, priming, and painting should be complete and fully dry. It’s far easier to paint before cabinets are installed than to meticulously cut around them afterward.
  • Flooring is Installed: For most flooring types, installation before cabinets is the standard practice. This creates a finished look and prevents issues with flooring edges.
  • Utilities are Roughed-In: All electrical outlets, plumbing lines, and ventilation ducts relevant to your new kitchen or bathroom layout must be in their final, correct positions.
  • Clear a Delivery Path and Storage Area: Ensure a clear pathway from your home’s entry to the designated storage area for the cabinet boxes. This area should be clean, dry, and protected from temperature extremes.
  • Be Available for Questions: While professional installers are experts, having you or your contractor available for any immediate questions can help keep the project on track.

Installing custom cabinets is a significant step in your home renovation journey. By understanding the optimal timeline and preparing your space effectively, you can ensure a beautiful and functional result for your Colorado home.

For a smooth, efficient, and beautifully finished custom cabinets installation in your Colorado home, reach out to The Kitchen Showcase. Let us help you transform your space with precision and care.