Working With Your Installer

What's the key to smooth cabinet installation?

Preparation. If you've decided to hire a professional installer, start asking friends and colleagues for referrals early in the planning stages. Your Lowe's designer may have a short-list of recommended firms to offer as well. In addition to asking for bids, interview each installation firm asking questions like:

• What's the size of their crew?
• How many jobs will they manage simultaneously?
• What's their process for working in an occupied residence?
• Are they insured and properly licensed?
• Will they employ any subcontractors? If yes, these should be approved by you.

Once an installer is selected, schedule a meeting between you, your designer and the installer to be sure that everyone is on the same page with regard to the project scope, dates, timelines and responsibilities.