Prepping for Cabinet Installation and Demo in Olympia: What You Need to Know

Installing new cabinets is one of the most exciting parts of a remodel—it’s when your design vision really starts to take shape. But before those shiny new boxes are set in place, there’s important prep and demo work that ensures everything goes smoothly. Whether you're doing a full kitchen remodel or replacing bathroom cabinets, being prepared is key to a successful install.

At Mountain Peak Construction, we specialize in cabinet installs across Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater. Here’s what every homeowner should know before cabinet installation begins.

Step 1: Finalize Your Cabinet Design

Before any demolition can begin, your cabinet layout and measurements need to be locked in. We recommend having your design fully confirmed with specs that include:

• Cabinet style and finish

• Placement and dimensions

• Appliance and sink locations

• Electrical or plumbing changes (if any)

Pro Tip: If you're using ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets, they should be fully built before installation day. For pre-assembled cabinets, confirm delivery dates and inspect for damage upon arrival.

Step 2: Clear the Space

Before our crew arrives, we recommend clearing out the area where the cabinets will be installed. This includes:

• Removing all items from existing cabinets

• Clearing countertops and surrounding surfaces

• Taking down wall-mounted items like shelves, artwork, or décor

For kitchens, it’s a good idea to set up a temporary prep station elsewhere in the home. For bathrooms, make sure we have easy access to plumbing shut-off valves.

Step 3: Shut Off Utilities (If Needed)

If we’re demoing cabinets that house plumbing, electrical, or gas, those systems may need to be temporarily disconnected. We’ll handle this safely on install day, but it’s helpful if you:

• Know where your main water shut-off is

• Unplug appliances ahead of time

• Let us know about any hidden outlets or wiring behind cabinets

Contact us if you're unsure what needs to be turned off—we're happy to walk you through it.

Step 4: Cabinet Demo – What to Expect

The demo process is loud, dusty, and often surprisingly quick. Our team removes the existing cabinets carefully, especially if you plan to reuse them elsewhere (garage storage, laundry rooms, etc.).

Here’s what we typically do during cabinet demo:

• Disconnect utilities and remove appliances

• Remove trim, toe kicks, and cabinet faces

• Detach cabinets from the wall and haul them away

• Prep the walls, floors, and substructures for new cabinet installation

Depending on your space, this can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day.

Step 5: Prep for Installation

After demo, we make sure everything is level, square, and ready for new cabinets. This prep includes:

• Checking wall and floor conditions

• Marking layout lines for base and wall cabinets

• Shimming areas where floors or walls are uneven

• Adjusting for appliance gaps, filler strips, and spacers

We always ensure that the first cabinet is level and plumb—it sets the tone for the rest of the install.

Step 6: Cabinet Installation

Now comes the fun part! Our cabinet install process in Olympia typically follows this sequence:

1. Install base corner cabinets first

   • These act as anchors for the rest of the run.

2. Continue base cabinets

   • We level and shim each cabinet, securing it to studs.

3. Wall cabinets go next

   • We use ledger boards to support them during installation.

4. Install filler strips and panels

   • These ensure a seamless, professional finish.

5. Final check and touch-ups

   • We verify door alignment, hardware placement, and level surfaces.

If you’re pairing new cabinets with countertops, the countertop team will typically template after cabinets are fully installed and secure.

What If We Find Surprises?

During demo, it's not uncommon to find surprises behind cabinets: water damage, electrical wiring, or uneven walls. If that happens, we’ll talk through options and provide a clear solution before moving forward. Our priority is making sure your cabinet installation is built to last.

How Long Does Cabinet Installation Take?

Here’s what to expect for an average-sized kitchen or bathroom:

Phase	Time Estimate
Cabinet Demo	½–1 day
Space Prep	½ day
Installation	1–3 days
Countertop Templating (if applicable)	After cabinets are installed

The full cabinet install timeline may stretch across a few days, especially if custom pieces or additional trim work are included.

Cabinet Prep Tips for Olympia Homeowners

• Protect surrounding areas with plastic sheeting or tarps

• Move pets and kids away from the work zone

• Let us know if your home has unique access challenges (steep driveways, low ceilings, etc.)

• Snap “before” photos—you’ll love seeing the transformation!

Let’s Get Started

Prepping for cabinet install and demo doesn’t have to be stressful. When you work with Mountain Peak Construction, we walk you through every step—keeping you informed and your project on schedule.

We’ve proudly helped homeowners throughout Thurston County upgrade their kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and more with stylish and functional cabinetry.

Ready to get started? Visit our cabinet install page to see examples of our work or contact us here to schedule your consultation.

Or explore our homepage to learn about our full range of remodeling services.

Mountain Peak Construction | Bathroom Remodeling in Olympia, WA Proudly serving Thurston, Mason, and Pierce counties. Locally owned. Quality guaranteed.

FAQ

Do I need to remove the old cabinets before the contractor arrives? Nope! We handle cabinet demo for you unless you’d prefer to DIY it. Just clear the contents ahead of time.

Can you install cabinets I purchased from a big box store? Yes! We install RTA and pre-assembled cabinets from Home Depot, Lowe’s, IKEA, and other vendors.

How soon after cabinet install can countertops be added? Typically within 3–5 days after the cabinets are installed. Countertop fabricators need a secure base to measure and template from.

Do I need permits for cabinet installation? Not usually—but if your project involves moving plumbing or electrical, we’ll help determine if permits are needed and file them for you.