Kitchen Remodel Guide – Table Of Contents

Chap14: The Final Walkthrough

The Final Walkthrough

Inspecting Workmanship and Quality

The final walkthrough is a crucial step in completing your kitchen remodel. Here’s what to focus on when inspecting workmanship and quality:

Cabinetry:

Ensure cabinets are straight, level, and properly anchored to the wall.
Check that doors and drawers open fully without rubbing or bumping.
Inspect for any swelling, warping, or gaps between cabinets and walls.
Verify all hardware is securely fastened and functioning properly.

Countertops:

Run your hand over the surface to feel for gouges, scratches, or defects.
Check that seams are minimized and properly aligned.
Inspect caulking where countertops meet walls or backsplash.

Plumbing:

Test all fixtures to ensure they’re secure and operate correctly.
Verify hot and cold water are on the correct sides.
Check for leaks under the sink and around appliance connections.

Electrical:

Ensure all outlets are GFCI protected if within 6 feet of the sink.
Test all light fixtures and switches.

Appliances:

Verify proper installation and functionality of all appliances.
Check that the dishwasher is properly connected and has an air gap.

Flooring and Tiles:

Look for even spacing and symmetry in grout lines.
Check for lippage (uneven tile edges) to avoid tripping hazards.

Overall Finish:

Inspect for cleanliness and absence of debris.
Look for any gaps, misalignments, or unfinished areas.

Remember to address any concerns immediately with your contractor and document them on the final inspection form. This thorough inspection ensures your new kitchen meets quality standards and functions as intended.

Making Final Adjustments

Making final adjustments is a crucial step in completing your kitchen remodel. Here are key areas to focus on:

Cabinet doors and drawers:

Adjust hinges to ensure doors hang straight and close properly
Tighten or loosen drawer slides for smooth operation
Check that all handles and knobs are securely fastened

Appliances:

Level refrigerator and adjust doors if necessary
Ensure dishwasher is level and securely anchored
Test all appliance functions and make necessary adjustments

Plumbing:

Check for leaks in all connections
Adjust water pressure if needed
Ensure proper drainage in sinks and dishwasher

Lighting:

Adjust dimmer switches if installed
Ensure all bulbs are working and of correct wattage
Fine-tune under-cabinet lighting positioning

Flooring:

Check for any loose tiles or planks
Ensure transition strips are secure between different flooring types

Paint and finishes:

Touch up any scratches or imperfections
Ensure all surfaces are properly sealed, especially around sinks and backsplashes

Hardware:

Tighten any loose handles, knobs, or pulls
Adjust soft-close mechanisms on cabinets and drawers

Remember to document any adjustments made and communicate with your contractor about any remaining issues. These final touches ensure your kitchen is fully functional and meets your expectations.

Cleaning and Preparing the Kitchen for Use

After a kitchen renovation, a thorough cleaning is essential to remove construction dust and debris before you can start using the space. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning and preparing your renovated kitchen:

Initial Dust Removal:
- Sweep and vacuum all surfaces, including ceilings and walls, to remove loose dust and debris. A “Swiffer type thing” can be useful for wiping down these surfaces.
Surface Cleaning:
- Wipe down all hard surfaces, starting from top to bottom. Use a microfiber cloth to capture any remaining surface dust.
- Clean the interior shelves of all cabinets, paying special attention to hard-to-reach corners.
- Clean both the inside and outside of cabinets.
- Wipe off countertops and all other flat surfaces. Disinfect countertops thoroughly.
Floor Cleaning:
- Sweep out any visible dust and debris.
- Mop and disinfect floors from wall to wall.
Appliance Cleaning:
- Thoroughly wipe down and sanitize all appliances, including refrigerators and ovens, inside and out. Ensure they are free of dust.
Detail Cleaning:
- Wipe down doors, knobs, baseboards, moldings, and hardware.
- Clean all hardware hinges and handles, shelves, and cabinets.
Air Quality:
- Clean air vents and replace filters to reduce dust spreading. Remove vent covers, clean them with soap and water, and let them dry before replacing them with new air filters.
Final Steps:
- Remove all remaining trash and debris.
- Clean any other furniture or items in the renovation zone for a fully dust-free living space, including ceiling fan blades, light fixtures, lamp shades, electronics, and decorative items.

How to Enjoy Your Newly Remodeled Kitchen

To maximize your enjoyment of your newly remodeled kitchen, focus on organization and creating a functional, personalized space. Here’s how:

Declutter and Prioritize:
- Before stocking your new kitchen, declutter existing items to understand your storage needs. Donate or recycle unused gadgets, utensils, spices, or syrups.
Optimize Organization:
- Easy Access: Store frequently used dishes, pots, pans, mixing bowls, and small appliances at eye level and within easy reach. Use top shelves or under-the-counter cupboards for less frequently used items.
- Clear Zones: Create zones for prep, cooking, and dishwashing to streamline workflow. Keep prep and cooking zones side-by-side and store knives, mixing bowls, peelers, graters, zesters, spices, and small appliances close to the prep zone.
- Vertical Storage: Install vertical shelves for trays and cutting boards. Use hooks or bars on the inside of pan drawer doors to hang lids.
- Kids Section: If you have children, designate accessible pantry, refrigerator, and storage drawers or shelves for them.
Streamline Cooking:
- Tidy Prep Area: Start each cooking session with a tidy prep area. Clean dirty dishes and wipe down counters to avoid working around messes.
- Utensil Placement: Keep cooking utensils in crocks near the stove for easy access. Store cooking oils in a cool, dark location close to the stove. Keep salt, pepper, and other seasonings nearby.
Personalize the Space:

Display Collections: Show off items that reflect your passions and interests.
Maximize Storage: Extend pantries into functional and stylish cabinet extensions with open shelving or glass doors.
Statement Pieces: Use bold colors for kitchen islands to create a vibrant centerpiece.
Greenery: Incorporate indoor herb gardens to add fresh herbs and greenery.

Essential Items:
- Dishcloths: Keep plenty of dishcloths on hand for cleaning messes and stabilizing cutting boards.
- Pantry Items: Stock up on canned goods and freezer bags.
- Essential Utensils: Keep essential items handy, such as paper towels, garbage bags, dishcloths, dishwasher soap, paper cups and napkins, paper plates, and utensils.

By implementing these strategies, you’ll be able to make the most of your remodeled kitchen.

Kitchen Remodel Guide – Table Of Contents

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Kitchen Remodel Guide – The Final Walkthrough

Kitchen Remodel Guide – Table Of Contents

The Final Walkthrough

Inspecting Workmanship and Quality

Making Final Adjustments

Cleaning and Preparing the Kitchen for Use

How to Enjoy Your Newly Remodeled Kitchen

Kitchen Remodel Guide – Table Of Contents