Kitchen install + bathroom finishes + appliance set

Sequence

1. Cabinets installed — kitchen first, then bathrooms and built-ins. Levels checked against the floor; shims as needed. Hardware installed.
2. Counter template — fabricator measures the actual installed cabinets (digital templating is common). Cut sheet goes to the fabrication shop.
3. Counter fabrication — 2–4 weeks off-site.
4. Counter install — slabs delivered, set, seamed if applicable, edges polished, caulk to backsplash.
5. Tile — backsplashes, shower walls, bathroom floors. Wait for thinset cure before grouting.
6. Plumbing trim — toilets, sinks, faucets, showerheads, valve trim.
7. Electrical trim — outlets, switches, panel labels, light fixtures, ceiling fans, undercabinet lighting.
8. Appliance install — refrigerator, range, dishwasher, microwave, range hood. Plumbed, gassed, vented, calibrated.

Why this is the longest finish phase

Lead times. Cabinets are 6–12 weeks from order to delivery. Counters are 2–4 weeks from template to install. Specialty tile can be 4–8 weeks. The right sequence is:

• End of framing: order cabinets and any specialty tile.
• End of MEP rough: order counters template-ready (you'll measure off installed cabinets).
• End of drywall: appliances should be in by now or in transit.

GCs who plan this well finish the kitchen in 4–6 weeks of finish work. GCs who don't end up waiting on cabinet delivery and the project drags 4 extra weeks.

Allowance true-up

The allowance lines in the contract get reconciled here. Most owners come in 10–25% over the original allowance budget because finish selection happens in real life with a partner and a Saturday morning at the showroom — not against a spreadsheet. Plan for it.

Inspections

Bathroom and kitchen finishes don't typically have separate finish-phase inspections (the rough inspections covered the gating items). Some specific items — gas connection on the range, the 240V hookup on a wall oven — get inspected at final.

When this is done

When the kitchen is functional, the bathrooms are functional, the appliances are running, and the family can imagine moving back in. Final inspections come next.