Soft-Close Hardware
Soft-close hinges and drawer slides are the standard for most cabinet installations today. They prevent the cabinet box from taking impact damage from slamming doors and drawers. Soft-close hinges can be retrofitted onto most existing cabinets if the box is sound. On new installations, we confirm soft-close hardware is included in the cabinet order before installation day — retrofitting at installation is time-consuming and sometimes requires drilling new mounting holes.
Dealing with Out-of-Square Rooms
Older Frederick homes frequently have walls and floors that are measurably out of square. A corner where two wall runs meet that's 91 degrees instead of 90 creates a visible gap at the inside corner between cabinet runs. The standard solutions — a filler strip, a scribed corner panel, or an angle cut on the cabinet face — each look different. We discuss the approach before installation so the homeowner knows what to expect at the corners.
Cabinet Delivery and Inspection
Cabinets should be inspected for damage immediately upon delivery, before the delivery driver leaves. Damage claims are much easier to process before the delivery is accepted than after. We recommend inspecting every box, door, and drawer front before signing off on the delivery. If damage is found, we document it and coordinate with the supplier for replacement parts or units before the installation date.
When Old Cabinets Need to Come Out First
If the project includes removing existing cabinets, demo typically takes one day for a standard kitchen. Older cabinets in pre-1970s homes are often face-nailed into plaster walls, which can damage the plaster during removal. We assess the wall condition during demo and repair any damage before new cabinets install. The plaster repair is scheduled so it has adequate drying time before cabinet installation begins.
