The order of things.

The contractor was supposed to start on the new kitchen on Monday and I'm still at a bit of a loss as to what exactly they are going to do and in what order.

I say, "was supposed to start on Monday" because as I began writing this blog I got a call from my wife saying that the cabinets are delayed by two weeks, and I don't understand fully how that impacts them starting on Monday.

By my estimate this is how I think it will go for the 3 months they say they are going to be around:

1. Demo the space
   Remove all the existing cabinetry, appliances wallboard, existing floor tile.
2. Add Framing
   Since we're moving the layout around a new structural beam needs to be added and some walls need to be moved around.
   
3. Run Electrical/Piping
   Rough in all the stuff that's behind walls and under floors.
   
4. Size the floor
   Make the floor flat, getting rid of existing mud and putting in plywood floors to work on.
5. Replace the windows
   Some windows are going, some are being added.
6. Lay radiant heating
   Since the radiant heating is going to be under the floor tiles, this needs to be done earlier than later.
7. Lighting
   Put up new lighting options for recessed lights.
   
8. Sheetrock walls
   Cover up all of the stuff to get ready for cabinetry
9. Tile Floor
   I assume this gets done before the cabinets are hung.
10. Install Cabinets
    Rough in the cabinets and make room for appliances.
11. Install Appliances
    This all needs to be in to do the counter tops.
    
12. Install Counter tops
    Stuff needs to be measured for the appliances and the actual room.
13. Tile Backsplash
    Now that the counter tops and cabinets are in we can do some cosmetic stuff.
    
14. Install Fixtures/Water
    Once the counter tops are in, the task of connecting all the parts begins.
    
15. Finish Electrical/Lighting
    Put boxes in where the roughing was done for switches and appliances.
16. Lay Wood Floors
    Part of the space has wood flooring in the dining area.
    
17. Paint Walls
    This is my part of the whole job, and will save about 3 grand from the construction price if I do it myself
18. Finish floors
    After all the construction guys are gone, it is our responsibility to get the wood floor finished. This is an additional few hundred dollars that are not in the estimate.

So, the question becomes, if the cabinets are step 10, why is there a delay in starting, and what can we do to minimize other delays.