Kitchen Renovation in Ontario: Your Complete Guide (E02)

In the previous part, you got general information about kitchen renovation. Happy Construction intends to tell you the steps of kitchen renovation in Ontario in this section.

Kitchen renovation steps

1. Construction permit

You must consider permits when you hire a contractor or do it yourself. Permits vary depending on where you live. You may also need to get a permit from the water department.

If you entrust the work to Happy Construction, they will help you. But if you do the work yourself, you must go to all the offices.

      2. Preparing the house

When the kitchen is being renovated, you need to be able to prepare food in it. Depending on the type of renovation, the kitchen water and electricity may be cut off. You can only use the sink, fire, and other appliances once the kitchen renovation is finished.

Consider not being able to work in the kitchen for a while. Preparing the food in advance and putting it in the freezer to heat it for each meal is better. You may even take some appliances to the rooms of the house and cook there.

During this period, you go to restaurants more, go to your relatives' and friends' houses and help yourself with cooking.

      3. Destruction of the kitchen

Despite all the previous preparations, the first step is the noisiest and most troublesome. Whether you leave it to a skilled contractor like Happy Construction Company's experts or pick up the appliances and demolish the house yourself, you'll need to knock down kitchen walls to rebuild later.

If you do this yourself, you should wear protective goggles and gloves. It would be best if you also planned to collect scrap parts, so you know what to do with them.

     4. Renovation of the kitchen structure

Once the demolition is finished, the kitchen renovation begins. Depending on the type of renovation, you may have different tasks. Do you want to add or replace a window? Do you want to remove the window or increase the space of the cabinets?

Do you want to destroy the walls so that the kitchen and the hall become one? Even for minor renovations like adding an island, you must rebuild parts.

     5. Piping, wiring and ventilation

After the initial demolition and renovation, you should go for plumbing, electrical work and ventilation. This step is mechanical work that you should leave to experts. If you want to save time, call Happy Construction and get your dream kitchen.

If you do these things yourself, it will slow down. You must learn plumbing and wiring later. Kitchen plumbing and wiring are complicated. In the renovation, you may want to install new circuits.

The complexity and dangers involved in plumbing and wiring prove that you need to use experienced professionals to get your job done right.

• Plumbing

Usually, in a kitchen renovation, you need to install new pipes unless you install a sink, refrigerator, and dishwasher in the old location. Even in this case, replacing the old pipes and, for example, replacing the galvanized pipe with a PIX pipe is better. 

It is best to have an inspector inspect the piping after it is finished, especially if it is necessary to tear down and replace the wall. If you do it yourself, it's best to have a professional check it out.

• Wiring

You should upgrade the electrical system of the house. Wiring is complicated, like plumbing and more difficult in the kitchen. Modern kitchens require multiple circuit breakers and outlets. So, the house must have electricity of at least 200 amperes.

The electrician may remove the existing house wiring and install a new one. Again, the inspector should check the repairs.

• Ventilation system

Installation of ventilation is like plumbing and wiring. You should install ventilation metal sheets by a contractor who is familiar with the work rules and regulations and who installs the system in the right place.

      6. Wall and ceiling

After completing the plumbing, wiring and ventilation installation, you must prepare the wall and ceiling. In the next step, you have to do the final work so that the space looks like a kitchen. It is better to insulate the outer walls so that unfavourable air does not enter the kitchen.

Then install the walls and tools. You can paint the wall and ceiling. If you want to paint the ceiling, now is the time.

You can install tools and wall panels yourself and save money. Remember that these things are done quickly and are inexpensive. But if you want the highest quality, you should contact the wall panel experts and suppliers.

     7. Installation of flooring

Installing flooring is one of the last things you should do before installing cabinets, appliances, and lights. In this case, the possibility of damage to it is reduced.

If you entrust the project to a reputable contractor like Happy Construction, their installers can do the job with great skill. The work time depends on the type of flooring:

Vinyl Sheet is the cheapest and can be installed in one day. Its installer needs to receive a high salary. Since it is easy to do, you can do it yourself.

Ceramic tiles need cement or glue. You also need to grout. Although tile is cheap, professional installation is expensive. You can do it yourself if you have the skills.

Laminate boards are easy to install. The wood has a veneer and is easy to install. I recommend only some of its types for wet places like the kitchen.

Wood floors are not popular due to swelling caused by wetness. But if taken care of, it can be suitable for the kitchen. It is challenging to install it by yourself. You can install its average size in three days.

     8. Installation of cabinets and counters

Cabinet installation requires patience. As you near completion, you can install cabinets and counters. The installer can do this in a day or two. You can leave this work to the carpenter. If you want to do things yourself, you must ask someone for help.

Although it seems easy to install the counter, it is challenging. An installer must install ceramic counters. Because they need special tools you don't have, be sure to contact Happy Construction Company. Granite, marble, and synthetic quartz countertops are so heavy that you'll need to have them installed by a professional.

Remember, a professional can level all your cabinets.

     9. Installation of appliances, plumbing and lights

In the end, you have to install the lights and do the plumbing of the instruments. Devices should be put in place, and you should do the plumbing of the dishwasher and refrigerator. Also, install sinks and faucets. The electrician returns and installs the lights and switches.

You can do some or all of these things yourself. If you have entrusted the rest of the work to a specialist, you can ask them to come back and finish these tasks.

Inspection and completion of work

After completing all the previous steps, now your kitchen is ready. If you have taken help from a contractor, make a list of the details. With this list, you can ensure everything is done correctly—for example, the correct installation of wall tools and the proper installation of faucets and other parts. Now you need to make sure that all these things are done correctly.

If you have used a contractor, they will do the work themselves so that you can get a confirmation of the completion of the work. But if you have done the job yourself, you should talk to a supervising expert. In the end, you can ask the supervising expert to check the kitchen and confirm that you are done.

You should clean and tidy the house well. You can ask someone to help you clean the house. A supervising specialist must have expertise and skill. Now that the kitchen is completed, you can enjoy your new kitchen and return to your routine.