Short answer: Before signing off your kitchen, check door alignment and gaps, hinges and drawers, worktop joints and silicone around the sink, no leaks under the sink, every appliance running, and a final clean. Write any issues down with photos, and keep a copy of the approved drawing and the warranty terms.
- Inspect in daylight and under the kitchen lights; some scratches only show at an angle.
- Run hot and cold water for several minutes, then check under the sink with a dry tissue.
- Switch on every built-in appliance before the installers leave.
- Put all issues in one signed snag list with a repair date.
Before installation day: what the contract should state
- The approved final drawing with measurements and appliance positions.
- Materials and finishes by name and colour, plus worktop material and thickness.
- Hinge and runner brand and internal accessories.
- What installation covers: appliance connection, sink and tap fitting, silicone, and old kitchen removal if needed.
- The expected timeline and payment schedule.
- The warranty: what it covers, for how long, and how to request service.
Still comparing offers? Read What should a kitchen quote include?
The 20-point kitchen handover checklist
Cabinets and doors
- Doors are level, with even gaps horizontally and vertically.
- Every door closes softly without bouncing or rubbing the next one.
- Drawers open fully, close softly and stay level under load.
- No scratches, chips or colour differences between fronts, especially lacquer and acrylic.
- Edge banding is fully bonded with no lifting at corners.
- Wall units are firmly fixed and aligned with each other.
- The plinth is straight and removable for maintenance.
Worktop and sink
- The worktop is level and joints are almost invisible.
- Silicone around the sink and wall is clean and continuous.
- Sink and hob cut-outs are precise with finished edges.
- After running hot and cold water for several minutes, there is no leak under the sink.
- The tap is firm and hot water is on the correct side.
Appliances and electrics
- Oven, hob, hood and dishwasher all work and were tested in front of you.
- The hood extracts strongly and the duct is connected correctly.
- Integrated appliance doors line up with the other fronts.
- Under-cabinet lights work and wiring is hidden.
- Sockets are where the drawing shows them.
Final handover
- The kitchen is clean, with protective films removed.
- You have the appliance manuals and warranty cards.
- Any open items are on one list with an agreed repair date.
Who installs and connects the appliances?
This is one of the most common delays people complain about: the kitchen is ready, but the oven or hob waits weeks for a technician. Agree from the start who installs each appliance, and make sure power, water and gas points are ready as per the drawing before installation day. If you buy appliances elsewhere, send the models before production because cut-outs are built around them. See also the right height for a built-in oven.
A kitchen handover without surprises
At Soul Furniture we approve the drawing and materials with you before production and hand the kitchen over fully installed. Contact us or visit our showroom in Muwaileh Commercial, opposite Safari Mall, Sharjah.
Built-in appliances ready to fit
Frequently asked questions
What should I check before accepting a new kitchen?
Door alignment and gaps, hinges and drawers, worktop and silicone, no leak under the sink, every appliance running, and a final clean. Write any issues down.
What if I find a defect at handover?
Photograph it, add it to the snag list with an agreed repair date, and sign the handover with notes rather than as final.
What should a custom kitchen contract include?
The final drawing, materials and finishes, worktop, hardware brand, what installation covers, timeline, payment schedule and warranty terms.
Do I need a separate electrician for the appliances?
It depends on the contract. Agree who connects each appliance and make sure power points are ready before installation day.
Read next: How custom furniture works in the UAE · How to choose a kitchen company