Cabinet and Countertop Punch-List Guide
Published •6 min read
A punch list is the short list of fixes found at the final walk, before a kitchen is handed to the buyer or tenant. For cabinets and countertops, most punch items are quick adjustments: a door that doesn't line up, a drawer that rubs, a missing bumper, a gap that needs caulk. Catching them before handoff keeps them off the warranty list.
Use this checklist on new homes, multifamily units and commercial jobs. Your contract, plans and the manufacturer's specifications define what's acceptable; builders often also reference NAHB's Residential Construction Performance Guidelines.
Cabinet Doors and Drawers
- Doors hang straight with even gaps between neighbors and at the top and bottom.
- Doors close fully and stay closed; soft-close hinges close softly.
- Drawers open and close smoothly, full-extension slides extend fully, and fronts line up across the run.
- Every door and drawer has its pull or knob, mounted straight and tight, in the same position as the plan's standard.
- Shelves are in place with all shelf pins; adjustable shelves sit level.
- Bumpers are on doors and drawer fronts where the cabinet line uses them.
Cabinet Boxes, Trim and Fillers
- Runs are level and face frames or box edges align from cabinet to cabinet.
- Fillers and end panels are installed, tight to the wall and finished on exposed sides.
- Crown, light rail and toe kicks are installed with clean joints.
- No dents, scratches, chips or paint and drywall marks on finishes; touch up where the supplier allows.
- Sink base is dry, with no signs of leaks once the plumbing is in use.
- Cabinets are fastened securely to the wall; nothing rocks or shifts.
Stone Countertops
| Check | What good looks like |
|---|---|
| Seams | Tight, filled and color-matched, in the agreed location |
| Level | Countertop sits level, with no rocking pieces |
| Edges | The specified edge profile, smooth and consistent, with no chips |
| Cutouts | Sink and cooktop cutouts match the fixtures; sink is secured |
| Overhangs | The specified overhang, supported where needed at seating |
| Backsplash | Installed to the specified height, tight to the wall |
| Caulk | Neat, consistent bead where stone meets walls and backsplash |
| Surface | No chips, scratches, stains or residue |
Seams are the item buyers ask about most. Our guide to countertop seams explains what a well-made seam looks like and why some are unavoidable.
How to Run the Walk
- 1Walk with the installer, after the cabinets and countertops are finished and before final cleaning.
- 2Open every door and drawer; run a hand along every edge.
- 3Photograph each item and note its location (for example, "upper left of range, door 2").
- 4Agree who fixes what and by when; mark items done with a photo.
- 5Record damage caused by other trades separately, so it's assigned correctly. See protecting cabinets on a job site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I check on new kitchen cabinets?
Door alignment and gaps, smooth drawers, hardware on every piece, shelves and pins, fillers and trim, finish damage, a dry sink base, and that cabinets are level and secure.
What should I check on new stone countertops?
Seams, level, edge profile, sink and cooktop cutouts, overhangs, backsplash, caulk lines and the surface for chips, scratches or stains.
When should the cabinet and countertop punch walk happen?
After cabinets and countertops are finished and before final cleaning and handoff, with the installer present.
Need a Clean Handoff on Every Kitchen?
Mega Solutions installs cabinets and granite, quartz, quartzite and marble countertops for builders, contractors and homeowners across metro Atlanta. Send your plans for a quote.
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