They can be notoriously difficult to work with, but cabinet installation is also one of the most satisfying parts of a kitchen remodel.
Yesterday was cabinet installation day two, and like day one it came with a mix of progress and setbacks. Starting with the good news: almost all of the cabinets went in. One of the biggest highlights was installing the built-in refrigerator surround. It instantly elevates the look of the space and makes our old freestanding fridge look like a high-end, custom appliance. The cabinet opening to the right is sized for our microwave, which will make that appliance appear built-in as well. Small design gestures like these dramatically change a kitchen’s visual weight and perceived value.
There were a couple of practical issues to resolve. First, we discovered one of the existing wall outlets sits too high and will be blocked by an upper cabinet. That’s an easy fix—an electrician will lower it to code—so it’s more of a minor inconvenience than a real problem. It was convenient that the electrician was already scheduled to come by, so this will simply add a small cost and a quick adjustment before the cabinets are finalized.
The much bigger issue involved the microwave. When the installer opened the box for our 30-inch under-cabinet microwave, it turned out to be a 24-inch countertop unit. This wasn’t a simple inventory error—the wrong model was special ordered and took three weeks to arrive. Discovering the incorrect appliance after waiting that long was frustrating and forced an immediate course correction.
We made a late trip to Lowe’s last night to return the incorrect countertop microwave and purchase the proper 30-inch under-cabinet model. The correct unit cost $75 more than the one that was delivered by mistake, which was an unwelcome surprise. Fortunately, the store manager handled the situation well. They apologized for the inconvenience and honored the price of the original unit, effectively discounting the replacement to match what we had already paid. That customer service gesture resolved the financial sting and kept the project moving forward.
With the microwave issue addressed and most cabinets installed, the team expects a productive day three of installation. The remaining work includes final adjustments, securing upper cabinets, and coordinating the electrician’s visit to relocate the outlet. Once those items are completed, final trim and hardware can be installed and the kitchen will begin to feel finished.
Kitchen remodels frequently involve unexpected problems—misordered components, last-minute electrical tweaks, or fit issues where old systems meet new cabinetry. What matters is how those setbacks are handled: clear communication with suppliers and contractors, prompt decisions on replacements or corrections, and a willingness to adapt the schedule when necessary. In our case, the combination of a skilled installer and a responsive store manager kept the project on track despite the hiccup.
So far, the visible progress is energizing. The built-in refrigerator surround and the planned microwave alcove are big visual wins that make the space feel intentional and custom. If the next day goes as planned and the kitchen doesn’t throw any more curveballs, we’re optimistic the installation will finish strong and the final stages of the remodel will move quickly.