You've been through the whole process, the contractors, their tradespeople, the inconvenience, change orders, delays. You're tired and you've had it. Stop right here. Is this typical at this stage to feel this way? That's a trick question. The larger the renovation, the more impatient people become later on, understandably. But, of course, one can never generalize, and people are as different as their kitchens!
All is prepared in the kitchen for the installation. The cabinetry is delivered, and a brand, new, shiny source of stress is beginning. Here is a huge investment in cabinetry that will change your quality of life. You are ready for the perfect installation.
We are assuming the kitchen installer is a sub contractor from the kitchen designer. In my world, I have already had a lengthy relationship with my clients designing his/her/their kitchen, but they have not met my installer.
Here are some tips to know about kitchen installers.
- There are basically two types of kitchen installers. The first type of installer runs his own business, the second type is an employee of a kitchen installation company. There are pros and cons of each type, and I use each type for different reasons.
- Installers, like you and I, are capable of making misjudgments and mistakes. It does not mean they are unqualified or less professional, etc. Mistakes must be made, as we are humans. With a competent designer in a supervisory role, and good installers, mistakes or misjudgements are minimized or nonexistent. But, of course, they can happen. More about mistakes another time. When I am talking about mistakes, I'm talking about small mistakes that are easily correctable. Big mistakes qualify as a big problem!
An installer's appearance is no indication of skill level. I've used one installer with tattoos over most of the exposed parts of his body, for years, and who wears somewhat worn clothes. The skill level has been at the very top compared to any installer I've ever used. His demeanor is professional. Appearance IS zero indication of intelligence, creativity, and problem solving ability. I've also used, and use, an installer who is missing a few front teeth. The most honorable, pleasant, all around fantastic installer, intelligent, with a skill level on par or above the tattoo guy noted above. And, I use installers who happen to be more well dressed as well. Different installers for different projects for different reasons.
- Negative opinions or assumptions by the homeowner and the contractor about the installer's work can be extremely damaging to the project, causing an unnecessary (and potentially messy) loss of confidence in the designer and/or installer. Sometimes another tradesperson or contractor will do things a different way and point out where the installer is "wrong." When the client is having an expensive product being installed, such as cabinetry, the clients are very vulnerable to any and all opinions, good or bad, right or wrong. It is a stressful time.
- To further this point, again, as noted, the client is often in a vulnerable state at the time of the cabinet installation. An outspoken and opinionated contractor, who has been on your project for months, criticizing a designer and/or a cabinet installer to the client, (whether done ever so softly, or loudly) the installer having been just introduced to the jobsite, can be highly influential to the client. Many clients, in this state, having come so far, now fear, or do not even consider, disagreeing with their contractor, sometimes thinking that their project will be adversely affected going forward if they disagree (a form of Stockholm Syndrome?) This is a particularly common dynamic, a fear to disagree with one's contractor. What to do? Beware of this dynamic, hear the contractor, keep an open mind, and address any situation with your designer in a positive and productive way. See "mistakes" above. A Kitchen being a high priced item, and being installed last as part of a long project, has much stress and expectations attached to it during this time. Do not underestimate the personality dynamics which are a part of every project in one way or another, and how they can affect the client too.
- The advice above assumes that your designer is highly responsive, professional, and listens to your concerns with respect.
Installers and designers sometimes disagree...sometimes in a heated way. An argument means that both parties care about your project. For me, it is a rare occurance. Plain speaking is most common, back and forth conversation with the installer but occasionally a point needs to be made in another way. Sometimes I will follow an installer's advice, sometimes I insist that my direction be followed. It is a team effort for your behalf.
- Do not misjudge a seemingly apathetic outward appearance with, well, apathy. Do not misjudge the use of humor with apathy. Installers and designers have dealt with the stress of installing cabinetry for years and in most cases can put emotions aside very easily in an effort to be professional and find good solutions to installation situations which may arise.
- Treat the cabinet installer with respect and you will get the best job out of him. Your demeanor toward him truly makes a difference. I cannot overstate this. He wants to work in a pleasant atmosphere. He wants an environment where he can take pride in his work. Taking pride in his work means you get the best installation you can for this product you will be using for many years. Be positive and respectful and your installer will work harder and better.
- Keep a pad and pen near the kitchen and when the installer leaves, observe what was done that day and write down any questions or concerns you may have. Bring them up to your designer.
- You have the right to expect that your project will be worked on every day until it is completed, perhaps with a gap while the countertop is being fabricated if all other work has been done. Sometimes additional parts need to be ordered, and the installer will return when they come in.
As we say in my business, it is not the problem, it's how it's addressed that is important. This entry morphed just a bit into problem areas with installations, and that will also be covered in a big way in later entries.
Hang in there it will all be over soon!!
So, when DO you know you have a problem with an installer? What are the signs? Find out soon!