5 Common Joinery Mistakes Builders Should Avoid on Site
When joinery goes wrong on site, it’s rarely just the cabinetmaker’s fault. Miscommunication, unclear documentation, and rushed site conditions all contribute to delays, rework, and frustration. As a builder, knowing the most common pitfalls can help keep your joinery install smooth, accurate, and defect-free.
Here are 5 mistakes we regularly see — and how to avoid them.
1. Incomplete or Inaccurate Site Measurements
Cabinetry must fit perfectly. If walls aren’t square, floors aren’t level, or ceiling heights vary, standard dimensions won't work.
Solution:
Always allow for final site measure by your joinery partner after framing and services are complete. Rushing this step causes alignment issues and delays.
2. Poor Coordination of Services (Power, Plumbing, HVAC)
We often see outlets or pipes installed after cabinetry has been built — meaning cutouts don’t align or access is blocked.
Solution:
Ensure accurate services drawings are provided to the joiner, and that on-site trades stick to the plan. A small shift can lead to costly rework.
3. Lack of Clear Access or Delivery Planning
Joinery components are large, fragile, and often need hoisting. Stairs, scaffolding, and tight hallways can all create major problems.
Solution:
Plan site access early, and notify your joiner about delivery constraints. Where possible, schedule cabinetry delivery after plastering and painting but before flooring.
4. Inadequate Wall Preparation or Fixings
Cabinetry must be fixed to solid surfaces. Lightweight walls, gaps behind plasterboard, or missing noggins can result in unsafe installs or movement over time.
Solution:
Ensure walls are fully prepared with proper backing. Talk to your joinery partner about requirements for heavy elements like vanities or overheads.
5. Late Design Changes Without Re-Approval
Changes to appliances, finishes, or layouts after manufacturing has started cause confusion and misfits.
Solution:
Freeze design decisions before shop drawings are signed off, and communicate all revisions clearly — ideally in writing.
A successful joinery install is all about coordination. At Creador, we work closely with builders from design through install to reduce risk and deliver smooth results.
📩 Contact us to request a joinery proposal or explore our past projects.
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