I guess one thing I would do is get a list of time frames for when each job would be started and ended to try to insure no one is held up because a job wasn't finished. I also would recheck the measurements after the cabinets are removed to be sure the new ones will fit as expected. An inch or so can be be a spoiler to lining everything up. If the fridge is against a wall, be sure to triple check that wall measurement. We were supposed to have an inch or so between the fridge and the wall. It turned out we had about 1/4 inch.

2 weeks seems like a pretty aggressive timeline. Putting the cabinets in and getting them leveled, etc. is pretty time consuming. Much longer than I expected. Have you picked out your granite? Have you decided what kind of edge you want? I had to wait a couple weeks from the time my counters were templated to when they were installed.

Are they frameless cabinets ? If so, make sure the doors aren't hitting against anything when opened. You might need hinge restrictors to keep doors from opening more than 90° . It all depends on your layout and type of cabinet

sherri1058, We already have granite and sink picked out. The granite edge is 1/4 round.

anitamo, we used semi-custom framed cabinets which come fully assembled. They are now at my contractor's warehouse.

I am quite worried about the whole project schedule thing. So far, I have only received the invoice (listing the cost of the project, 6 line items for $9k-ish), the layout, and the receipt for the first payment (50%, early June). There is no formal contract between us. Should I ask for a contract before he starts next week?

He said he would pull a permit from the town. Do I need to ask to see the permit? Is there any other documents from him that I might need to see?

Should have had a contract long before this. Licensed and insured? Definitely see the permit, technically it should be posted. References from he AND his subs? Cabinets should be in your home for at least several (week if possible) days to acclimate. Schedules inspections by the building inspector? When is the top being templated? Have you made arrangements to be there for the templating?

This isn't the time to second-guess your GC. Hopefully you've vetted him and are comfortable. Relax. This is your first time; it isn't his.

Relaxing is fine if, and only if, you have complete trust in your GC. Otherwise, I would want to see proof that he is licensed and bonded, and see the permit before the demo. I would also want the cabinets on site before demo begins. Once he rips everything out, you're stuck.

Two weeks is really pushing it and may work out well if all is planned perfectly in advance. Good luck.

If it isn't his (the contractors) first time, he should be familiar with contracts! Get a contract.

YES on the contract. That is your protection (and his) if things go south.

Make sure that there are dust control measures in place during demolition, like, hanging and taping off plastic sheeting to isolate the area, and if they have to sand any replacement drywall, they are using a vacuum system.

Make sure that the plumber knows where the drain is located on your sink -- so he can adjust the wall connections if you are changing to an offset drain.

The tupperware bin suggestion is great!

Just to update. I draft a standard contract with the job details and was able to get my contractor to sign. Right now, I am trying to figure out about permit. Plumber and Electrician will definitely pull permits. However, my contractor said I shouldn't need a building permit given that it would be just for kitchen cabinetry. I'm checking with the town now.

I did not need a permit to redo my kitchen, but I live in KY, not CA where I don't think paper towel holders can be installed without a permit from someone! I wasn't changing any plumping nor doing extensive electrical - most had already been done.

A contract is the professional way to go. And being certain he is bonded, licensed and carries Workman's Comp on his employees is very important. You will also want all his subs to sign that they have been paid so they can't put a Mechanics Lien on your property.

@millworkman - I've never heard (nor experienced in mine nor any other remodels I'm familiar with) of acclimating kitchen cabinets. Wood floors, of course. What are others experience?

Yes on acclimating the cabinets too freeoscar. Doors can warp if not acclimated.

Yes on everything Anglophilia said too. You definitely want signed lien releases to make sure his subs get paid.

millworkman cpartist I knew about flooring but didn't know cabinets had to acclimate. We did a new build years ago and I don't know if those cabinets had the chance to acclimate. The buyers recently sold the house and the cabinets still look great in the photos I found.

Our builder had a problem with an earlier build where the cabinets weren't acclimated, but then again we are talking FL

From my understanding, not all cabinets need to be acclimated - I'd guess few are. If they're being assembled onsite, and if the temperature/humidity of where they've been stored is much different from the house they'll live in. Hardwood floors, which are 'made' onsite, are a much different situation than plywood/MDF cabinets which have already been assembled. And the cabinets will have to constantly adjust for the changing temperatures and humidity a kitchen experiences throughout a given day and time of year regardless.