Do not place your order until you're certain about your choices. Yes, your KD (or cabinemaker) will probably pressure you to do it now, but push back...you have to live with this kitchen, they do not. We went through 3 or 4 iterations of cabinet choices and each time my KD wanted to "get them ordered," but I pushed back until I was certain I was happy w/our choices. Keep this mantra in mind and repeat it to everyone you need to throughout the remodel: This is my kitchen, not yours. I have to live with this. You'll finish up and be gone, but I will still be here. I want it done right (or to my specifications or to make me happy). Yes, it might be easier or faster to do it your way, but that is not what I want. All changes/fixes/etc. need to be approved by me before you make them. You may have to add, but not unless you have to... I'm paying you to do this kitchen right. Stand firm! Do not let them bully you or try to "persuade" you to do it their way unless you are certain you will be OK (now & forever) with what they are proposing. Also, don't let yourself fall into the "I'm too tired to deal with this, so do whatever" OR "I'm sick of dealing with this, I just want it done, so do whatever" modes. You are certain to be unhappy later. Once it's done, you won't remember the hassles (at least not much) and will be glad you stood your ground...even if it meant adding weeks or months to the job. Remember: This too shall pass!

I'm sorry you are having issues. At this point, if there was a warranty on your kitchen, it would be through the cabinet manufacturer, NOT the provider of labor for the install. Industry standard is one year of labor warranty, and then whatever product warranty is in place should take care of any future issues. Do you have a brand name for the cabinets? Any paperwork at all? Because $3500 is a pretty low amount for cabinets for any kitchen, and I suspect the contract got them from a less than reputable source, like some of the famous Chinese import cabinet places.

The KD did not do a very responsible job with your kitchen, imo. So, you already knew how you wanted it laid out, not too uncommon, I'd think. They should have assisted with the order. Do you want finished sides on these?... It's part of the job, any job. Besides, they always try to upgrade! Again, part of their job, a sales expectation from the company When I bought my cabinets (and I did ask for layout help), I found I had to be an expert. Found lots of mistakes and continually uncovered options/details that should have been presented as part of SOP. I don't think it was because he was untrained, uninformed about cabinetry. Again, his job, not yours. Just lazy. The whole experience was far more difficult than it needed to be for the customer. The skins are another upgrade for an additional charge, so it would be the labor to have them installed you are out. No? Maybe it's lower cost to order them loose than pre-installed. I would think. I know I considered the option to have my contractor install them instead but forget the pricing details. Went with pre-installed, for which there was a line item pricing detail for the upcharge. If I'm remembering correctly what they look like without, I would wait for the skins to fill that whole recess for a professional finished cabinetry look. You're not going through all this to end up living with aggravating mistakes or things you don't like. This post was edited by snookums2 on Thu, Jul 11, 13 at 15:54

Thanks for all the input so far! Palimpset - same as rhome410, the main reason for the mess is that the clean dishes haven't been put away, or the DW is running...there always seems to be at least 1 or 2 cups left out...I guess I should just wash them by hand and be done, but we don't:) I understand all of the arguments for the flat island, and will be doing some more reading on that, but DH argument is that the kids are only little for so long, then we'll have teenagers eating & hanging out in the kitchen...I'm hoping it'll get used for everyday breakfast/lunch on wknds. Dinner will be at the table! To the left of the fridge right now is a nice sized window, which will eventually be french doors to a deck. We thought about the U, but it does get too cramped cause that window cannot be moved (concrete wall construction - $$$ to move windows!). The room opens to dining area then family room (all one big space). Palimpset - I'm glad to hear you say keep the fridge where it's at - I'm really struggling with that cause it would make for a ton of space around the stove for prep, it also moves the fridge out of the triangle (I know, old concept, but it works for our little kitchen right now!) Anyone have a single level island and hate it/wished they had double? THANKS!