Having work done in your home can feel like a disruption—but our goal is to keep the process as smooth, organized, and predictable as possible.
This page will walk you through what’s normal during your project so you always know what to expect.
Every project is a little different, but here’s a general idea of what you can expect.
If demo is being performed by RF it will be specified in the quote. RF bids demo for removal and disposal. If client prefers to save cabinetry, it will need to be removed prior to our arrival or have it bid in advance. All other demo needs to be done prior to the start of the project, unless RF is performing the demo. This includes counter removal, backsplash removal, and wall removal, if applicable. If any drywall or ceiling work is being performed, we recommend it is completed prior to cabinetry installation and painting.
In some cases, projects may require staging, for example, if you are having cabinetry built that sits directly on top of a counter or light rail trim added to the bottom of uppers, or if modifications are being made that will cause flooring issues. In these cases, counters, tile or flooring may be required to be completed in a particular order and demo may need to be performed in advance. This will need to be bid and specified in the contract. Please notify RF of any other work being performed so we can do our best to advise you.
If RF is adding new uppers, and there is an existing backsplash that is remaining in place, there is a small chance that tiles could be damaged during removal of upper cabinetry. RF is not responsible for this risk. In some cases backsplash removal may be required ahead of the start date by client. Additionally, if existing upper cabinets are being replaced and have lighting installed in, under or above, it is possible it may be damaged or need to be cut for cabinet removal. Care will be taken during removal and if lighting is not damaged, we will leave with client, otherwise we will dispose of it for client. RF does not reinstall lighting.
There will be periods of active work in your home throughout the project. Noise can be expected during the demo, prep, and installation process. Our crew, as well as materials and tools, will be moving throughout the space.
While we do our best to keep everything contained and organized, some level of disruption is normal during this phase.
RF will lay plastic, paper, and mats wherever necessary to prevent flooring and counter damage. At the end of the jobsite we will sweep, vacuum and wipe down the immediate area. When sanding in home, we either sand by hand or use a HEPA filtration system on our sander to minimize dust exposure. While we do our best to keep the jobsite as tidy as possible there may be some clean up required by the client. All wet paint is cleaned up immediately. If paint gets on to drywall and is able to dry before clean up, RF will touch up the area using client-provided paint. If client or paint is unavailable, then touch ups will be client’s responsibility.
We work hard to keep your project on schedule, but timelines can occasionally shift. This may be due to material delays, adjustments during installation, and coordination with other contractors. You will receive communication if any changes to your schedule occur. Daily start times will be shared with you ahead of time so you know when to expect our team.
Clear communication is a priority throughout your project. Our team and/or project managers may check in with you during the project. You will also receive updates about the schedule and status of your project as needed. You can always reach out with questions or concerns to projectmanagement@rfhomeco.com. If something feels unclear, we encourage you to ask—we’re here to help.
We try to think of everything, but sometimes additional work may be required to make the project perfect. Once we begin the project, if there is any additional work needed that we find during dismantling, (i.e., a toe kick that really isn’t salvageable), we will address it with you at that time. This type of additional work is usually caught during the bid process, if not, it is typically minor and would add between 1-10% in cost if you wanted it addressed. We do not charge change fees for items that we find that need to be done in order to successfully complete the project, but will address additional charges for the work before proceeding.
We will caulk seams between cabinet boxes. Nail holes, existing trim and crown molding seams, on existing cabinetry will be painted over as-is, unless otherwise notated in the contract. Scratches in side panels will be painted over as-is unless otherwise notated in contract.
We want everything to be perfect and strive to make that happen. In general, most homes are not perfectly square or level. For example, there is often a slight difference in ceiling height from corner to corner in a room. When RF encounters those type of issues, if they are typical slight differences, we will use our professional judgment on how best to proceed. We cannot always remedy this but will do our best. If there is some concern about the approach, we will discuss that with you, but they typically are easily addressed by our carpenters. New cabinetry will be installed level. In the event that we are adding cabinets, we will have to match the front planes of the existing cabinetry. This means that cabinets may not be level. If you have existing backsplash, we will do our best to follow the lines of existing backsplash, which may cause cabinets to be out of level. If you are having backsplash replaced or installed, we recommend removal prior to the start of the project .RF will caulk and use wood filler wherever reasonable. Sometimes existing and/or new cabinets are not lined up perfectly with walls and ceilings due to leveling and and/or squareness issues which become more apparent once painted. If the gaps are less than .25" we can caulk these, if gaps are larger they will not be able to be caulked and you may want to consider adding moldings, or trim work. This cost can vary based on the project. If you have any concerns about existing installation issues, please notify RF prior to project start.
If hinges are being re-used, or the same hinge holes are being re-used, the doors will be put back in the original position. If doors were not originally installed level and the hinges do not adjust up and down, this is something that is difficult to fix. The reason for this is if a hole only needs to be moved by a few millimeters, wood filler or bondo will allow the screw to slip back into place. Also, if a door is not shutting properly and we are re-using non-adjustable hinges the door will continue to not shut properly after the project is complete. This is a combination of door warping and/or worn hinges. If you have a door you are concerned about, please make sure to address it with RF staff before the project begins. There may be something we can do if we know about it early enough.
When filling handle holes, we use a wooden dowel and wood filler for maximum filling. A circle may still be visible though we make our best efforts to minimize.Â