Choosing the Right Cabinet & Countertop Partner – A Preconstruction Team’s Checklist
Selecting the right cabinet and countertop partner before the bidding stage is critical to ensuring cost control, schedule alignment, and project quality.
Use this checklist to guide your evaluation process – there’s a downloadable guide below too!
Qualifications & Risk Coverage
Start by confirming that your potential partner is properly licensed and carries up-to-date liability and workers' compensation insurance. Keep in mind that licensing requirements can vary depending on the state where the project is located, so it’s essential they’re compliant in your specific jurisdiction. It’s also worth checking for professional affiliations with organizations like the NKBA, which signal industry standards and credibility. For larger commercial projects, verify whether the partner has bonding capacity—this can be a critical requirement for public or higher-risk developments.
Experience & References
Experience with commercial or multi-family projects is key. Ask about the scope and scale of past work, and don’t hesitate to request and follow up on references from recent clients. A proven track record reduces risk during execution.
Material Quality & Selection
Ensure your partner offers a wide and dependable selection of materials. Request samples to review both the look and the technical specifications, so you know exactly what’s being delivered.
Lead Times & Delivery Capability
Clarify production timelines and delivery scheduling. Ask if they can support phased delivery or fast-tracked timelines when needed. Delays at this stage can cascade, so reliability here is crucial.
Communication & Responsiveness
Establish a clear point of contact from day one. Gauge their responsiveness and willingness to provide proactive updates throughout both the bidding and execution phases. Strong communication prevents missteps and improves coordination.
Budget Alignment & Cost Transparency
Request an itemized estimate with a transparent breakdown of costs. Understand how pricing will shift with material upgrades, substitutions, or value engineering. Early clarity on pricing reduces the risk of later disputes.
Warranty & Post-Install Support
Inquire about both labor and material warranties. Equally important is knowing how they handle punch items, service calls, or warranty claims after installation is complete.
Compliance & Certifications
Confirm the vendor understands and can comply with local codes and permitting requirements. Also consider whether they hold certifications such as MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) or WBE (Women Business Enterprise), especially if your project involves public funding or supplier diversity goals.
Risk Control
Explore what contingency plans they have for supply chain disruptions or labor shortages. Confirm they’re comfortable operating within your project management system—whether that’s Procore, Buildertrend, or another platform. Additionally, ask if they have in-house technical or engineering support—this can help minimize errors and reduce RFIs by resolving issues early in the preconstruction phase.
When you’re managing multiple trades and tight timelines, the right vendor makes all the difference. Look for partners who understand the pace and precision your team demands—those who bring transparency, technical expertise, and flexibility to the table.
If you’re still searching for a contractor who checks all the right boxes, it may be time to consider a partner who truly understands the demands of preconstruction. Learn more about us.