Kitchen Remodel Inspection

Cabinets must be level, plumb, and securely fastened to wall studs or blocking. All doors and drawers should operate smoothly without binding.

1. Check all cabinets are level using a 4-foot level — maximum 1/8" deviation

2. Verify cabinets are secured to wall studs or blocking (not just drywall)

3. Open and close every door — they should swing freely without rubbing or sagging

4. Pull out every drawer — slides should be smooth, drawer should not wobble

5. Check door alignment — gaps between doors should be uniform (about 1/8")

6. Verify all hardware (handles, knobs) is firmly attached

7. Inspect filler strips — gaps should be caulked or covered

- Cabinets not level causing doors to swing open or closed on their own

- Screws into drywall only — cabinets may pull away under load

- Misaligned doors with uneven gaps

- Drawer slides that bind or are too loose

- Missing or loose end panels

Countertops must be level, properly supported, with tight seams and sealed backsplash. Sink cutouts should be properly sealed.

1. Check countertop is level along its length and front to back

2. Inspect all seams — should be tight (less than 1/16") and color-matched

3. Verify countertop is firmly attached and does not rock

4. Check backsplash joint — sealed with silicone caulk

5. Run your hand along edges — no sharp spots

6. For undermount sinks: check seal around cutout

7. Level test with a glass of water

8. Verify overhang support for overhangs greater than 10"

- Visible seams in high-traffic areas

- Countertop not level

- Gaps between backsplash and wall

- Undermount sink poorly sealed

- Insufficient support for overhangs

All supply and drain connections must be leak-free. Shut-off valves must be accessible and functional.

1. Turn on faucet fully — check water pressure and flow

2. Run hot water — should reach the faucet within 30 seconds

3. Check under sink for leaks with water running

4. Test shut-off valves — should turn easily and stop water

5. Run garbage disposal if installed — no vibration or leaks

6. Check dishwasher connection — run a cycle and inspect for leaks

7. Verify air gap or high loop on dishwasher drain

8. Check drain slope (1/4" per foot minimum)

- Slow leaks at supply connections

- P-trap not properly tightened

- Missing shut-off valves

- Dishwasher drain without air gap

- Disposal not properly secured

Kitchen requires minimum two 20-amp split receptacle circuits for countertop. GFCI protection required within 1.5m of sink.

1. Count countertop receptacles — should be no more than 900mm apart

2. Test every receptacle with a GFCI tester — receptacles within 1.5m of sink must have GFCI protection

3. Check that refrigerator has a dedicated circuit

4. Verify dishwasher and garburator have dedicated circuits

5. Test all switches — under-cabinet lights should work

6. Verify range/oven has proper connection

7. Check for split receptacles on small-appliance circuits

- Missing GFCI protection near sink

- Insufficient receptacles along countertop

- Refrigerator sharing circuit with other appliances

- No dedicated circuit for dishwasher

- Under-cabinet lighting not switched

Range hoods should exhaust to exterior. Minimum 100 CFM. Ductwork must be smooth metal and properly sealed. Make-up air required for hoods over 400 CFM.

1. Turn on range hood at all speeds — verify it exhausts air

2. Check exterior vent opens when hood runs

3. Verify smooth metal ductwork (not flex)

4. Check for backdraft damper

5. Verify hood height: 24-30" above cooktop

6. For hoods over 400 CFM: verify make-up air system is installed and functional

7. Test the hood light

- Recirculating instead of exhausting outside

- Flex duct used instead of smooth metal

- Missing make-up air for high-CFM hoods

- Hood too high above cooktop

- Missing backdraft damper

Kitchen flooring must be properly installed on flat subfloor. Transitions should be smooth and trip-free.

1. Walk the floor — feel for soft spots, squeaks, or unevenness

2. Check flatness — maximum 3/16" in 10 feet

3. Inspect edges along cabinets and walls

4. Check transitions to other rooms

5. Verify flooring extends under appliances

6. Look for construction damage

7. For tile: tap for hollow sounds

- Hollow tiles from poor thinset coverage

- Flooring not under appliances

- Missing transition strips

- Visible expansion gaps

- Construction damage