From the Field — Ep 34, 36, 43
The Finish Trade Sequence
Custom cabinets, countertops, and appliances all depend on each other — and the wrong order triggers delays, wrong cutouts, and expensive remakes. This checklist shows the proven sequence and the exact moments each trade hands off to the next.
What went wrong in this remodel (Ep 34, 36, 43)
- Ep 34: Cabinet drawings were finalized before appliance spec sheets arrived → wrong cutout dimensions, blind corner conflict with refrigerator handle swing
- Ep 36: Countertop template was taken before all upper cabinets were plumb-set → 3mm variance propagated across 14 ft of stone
- Ep 43: Dishwasher and range delivery was booked before plumbing rough-ins were signed off → appliances sat in a garage for 6 weeks, one was damaged
Critical Dependency Chain
First
Appliance spec sheets
Width · depth · clearance · utility locations
→
Then
Cabinet design
Drawings built around confirmed appliance dims
→
Then
Field measurements
After framing — never from blueprints
→
Then
Cabinet order
Lock drawings before placing order
→
Then
Countertop template
ONLY after cabinets fully installed + plumb
→
Last
Appliance delivery
Only after rough-ins signed off
Typical Lead Times to Plan Around
Custom Cabinets
8 – 14 wks
from signed drawings
Stone Countertops
2 – 4 wks
from template (not order)
Appliances (Pro)
6 – 20 wks
Wolf/Sub-Zero up to 20
Countertop Template
1 – 2 days
schedule after install
Cabinet Install
3 – 7 days
per average kitchen
Appliance Connections
1 – 2 days
plumber + electrician
RemodelReady App
Got a contractor quote or build plan?
Upload your contract and get a milestone-based build plan that flags finish trade sequencing gaps before they become expensive surprises.