How do I plan for appliances in a kitchen renovation?

Proper appliance planning is crucial for a successful kitchen renovation - it affects everything from electrical and plumbing rough-ins to cabinet dimensions and workflow efficiency. The key is selecting and ordering appliances early in the design phase, ideally before finalizing cabinet layouts.

Planning Your Appliance Layout

Start by considering your cooking habits and family size to determine what appliances you actually need. The classic "work triangle" between sink, stove, and refrigerator remains a solid foundation, but modern kitchens often benefit from multiple work zones. In Ottawa's typical home layouts, we frequently work with galley or L-shaped kitchens where efficient appliance placement becomes even more critical.

Measure twice, order once - this old contractor saying is especially important for appliances. Standard sizes exist, but verify exact dimensions including door swing clearances and ventilation requirements. A 36-inch refrigerator might actually be 35.75 inches wide but require 37 inches of space for proper airflow.

Key Measurements and Clearances

Counter-depth refrigerators (24-25 inches deep) create a built-in look but offer less storage than standard depth models (28-32 inches). For Ottawa homes built before 1980, check that your electrical panel can handle modern appliance loads - older 100-amp services may need upgrading for electric ranges or multiple high-draw appliances.

Plan for adequate ventilation, especially important in our climate where homes are sealed tight for energy efficiency. Range hoods should move 100-150 CFM per linear foot of cooktop, and in newer Ottawa homes, you may need to coordinate with your HRV system to prevent negative pressure issues.

Timing and Coordination

Order appliances 8-12 weeks before installation - supply chains remain unpredictable, and custom panel-ready models take even longer. We've seen projects delayed months waiting for specific appliance models. Have backup options identified during the planning phase.

Coordinate appliance delivery with your renovation timeline. Appliances shouldn't arrive before rough electrical and plumbing are complete and inspected, but they need to be on-site before cabinet installation is finished. In Ottawa, factor in winter delivery challenges - ensure clear access paths and protect appliances from temperature extremes during storage.

Electrical and Plumbing Requirements

Modern kitchens typically need dedicated 20-amp circuits for microwaves, dishwashers, and garbage disposals, plus 40-50 amp circuits for electric ranges. Gas lines for ranges or cooktops require licensed TSSA technicians and permits through the City of Ottawa. Plan these rough-ins early - it's expensive to add circuits after drywall is up.

Water line locations for refrigerator ice makers and pot fillers need coordination with cabinet layouts. In Ottawa's older homes, upgrading from 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch water supply lines often improves performance for multiple appliances running simultaneously.

Budget Considerations

Appliances typically represent 15-20% of your total kitchen renovation budget in the Ottawa market. For a $50,000 kitchen renovation, plan $7,500-$10,000 for a complete appliance package. High-end European brands can easily double this, while builder-grade packages might come in at $5,000-$6,000.

Factor in installation costs, which aren't always included in appliance pricing. Gas line connections, electrical work, and cabinet modifications for built-in models add to the total investment.

For a comprehensive kitchen renovation including proper appliance planning and coordination, contact Justyn Rook Contracting for a free consultation. We'll help you navigate the timing, technical requirements, and integration challenges to ensure your new appliances work perfectly in your renovated space.