What's the best order of operations for a kitchen remodel?

The best order for a kitchen renovation follows a specific sequence to avoid costly mistakes and rework: demolition, rough-in work (electrical/plumbing), drywall, flooring, cabinets, countertops, and finally appliances and finishing touches.

Demolition and Planning Phase
Start with complete demolition of existing cabinets, countertops, and flooring while protecting adjacent areas with plastic sheeting. This is when you'll discover any surprises like outdated wiring or plumbing that needs addressing. In Ottawa homes built before 1980, we often find knob-and-tube wiring or cast iron plumbing that requires updating to meet current Ontario Building Code standards.

Rough-In Work (Weeks 1-2)
Next comes the "rough-in" phase where electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work happens behind the walls. This includes moving outlets to accommodate new cabinet layouts, installing under-cabinet lighting circuits, and relocating plumbing for island sinks. All electrical work requires ESA permits in Ontario, and any gas line work for ranges must be done by TSSA-licensed technicians. Don't skip this step - trying to add electrical later means tearing into finished walls.

Structural and Drywall (Weeks 2-3)
Any structural changes like removing walls or adding support beams happen now, followed by insulation and drywall installation. Ottawa's building department requires permits for any wall removal, especially in older homes where walls might be load-bearing. The drywall needs time to cure properly before painting, so factor in at least a week for this phase.

Flooring Installation (Week 4)
Install flooring before cabinets to ensure proper expansion gaps and a cleaner look. However, many contractors in Ottawa prefer installing hardwood or luxury vinyl plank flooring after base cabinets but before the island - this saves material costs while still looking professional. Tile should always go wall-to-wall before any cabinetry.

Cabinet and Countertop Installation (Weeks 5-6)
Cabinets go in first, followed by countertops. There's typically a 2-3 week lead time for custom countertops in Ottawa, so order these early. Quartz and granite fabricators need final measurements after cabinet installation, so plan accordingly. The countertop installation usually takes just one day but requires cabinets to be perfectly level first.

Final Phase: Appliances and Finishing (Week 7)
Install appliances, complete plumbing and electrical connections, add cabinet hardware, and complete painting touch-ups. The dishwasher and built-in appliances should be connected by licensed trades - don't attempt gas or hardwired electrical connections yourself.

Ottawa-Specific Considerations
City of Ottawa building permits typically take 10-20 business days to process, so apply early. Winter renovations can extend timelines due to material delivery challenges and heating considerations. Budget 6-8 weeks total for a full kitchen renovation, plus 2-3 weeks for permit approval.

Professional Guidance
While homeowners can handle demolition and painting, electrical, plumbing, and gas work legally require licensed professionals in Ontario. Attempting these yourself can void insurance coverage and create safety hazards.

For a detailed timeline and free estimate specific to your kitchen project, contact Justyn Rook Contracting - we'll help you navigate permits and coordinate all trades for a smooth renovation process.