I hired a carpenter to build and install our kitchen cabinets, and he estimated it would take a month. Now, a month and a half later, he's only finished the boxes—and not even all of them. When he finally delivered the boxes, they were without doors, and he's just now starting to work on those. It's been weeks of waiting, and I feel like we're constantly being sidelined on his priority list. My husband is really laid-back and doesn't want to confront the guy, but this is leaving us without a kitchen. I just want to know what a reasonable timeframe is for a full kitchen cabinet installation, including doors, handles, and drawers, because this waiting is driving me nuts.
5 Answers
I think your frustration is totally justified! He’s not delivering as promised, and that’s a big deal. When you invest in a project, you expect it to be completed in a reasonable time. It sounds like you should have a serious talk about the delays—and the payment balance you owe. Good luck!
Exactly, a firm but fair chat is needed here!
Three to six weeks is pretty typical for custom cabinets when they’re actually being worked on. From what you're describing, it sounds like he's taking on too much. I’d suggest that your husband step up and give him a call to establish a firm deadline. If things don’t improve, start looking for alternatives!
Totally! Sometimes a polite push is all it takes.
Definitely get proactive if you don’t see results!
I feel for you! The timeline can get really messy if the contractor is juggling multiple projects. But a complete lack of communication is unacceptable. You should definitely have a chat with him about getting back on track with the timeline. And honestly, if he still can’t give you a solid time frame, it might be worth considering other options.
Definitely! Keeping an open line of communication is key.
Exactly! And if he's hesitant, maybe look for someone who’s more organized.
You're definitely not overreacting! A month is a tight schedule for custom cabinets, but taking this long just to start on the doors is a huge red flag. It sounds like he's prioritizing other jobs over yours, which isn’t professional. You might need to have a straightforward conversation with him—set a firm deadline. Remember, your final payment can be a motivator for him to wrap things up! Good luck!
That's solid advice! It’s all about setting expectations upfront.
Absolutely, a little firmness can go a long way.
It can really depend on what you ordered. If you went for custom, real wood cabinets, it can take a few weeks for those doors. But if you were looking at something pre-fab, that should’ve been quicker. Still, if he’s dragging his feet, it’s reasonable to be upset. Just make sure you’re clear in what your contract states and how much you’ve paid him so far!
Right, the contract is crucial—review that before talking to him.
Completely agree! Knowing your contract helps with the discussion.
Yes! Communicate that you expect better management of the project.