Should I buy appliances before or after starting my kitchen reno?

You should select and purchase your appliances before your kitchen renovation begins — ideally 6 to 8 weeks before demolition day — but have them delivered after cabinets are installed and the space is ready. The exact dimensions of your appliances directly affect cabinet layout, countertop templating, and electrical and plumbing rough-in, so your renovation team needs this information from day one.

The single biggest reason to buy early is lead time. In New Brunswick, appliance delivery commonly takes 4 to 8 weeks from the time you order, and supply chain delays are more frequent here than in larger markets because NB is further from distribution centres. If your appliances are not confirmed before your contractor starts, you risk your entire project stalling while the kitchen sits half-finished waiting for a refrigerator or range to arrive. This is one of the most common and avoidable delays in NB kitchen renovations.

What your contractor needs from your appliance selections before starting: the exact make, model, and dimensions of every appliance — refrigerator width and depth, range or cooktop dimensions, dishwasher width (standard 24-inch or compact 18-inch), microwave type (over-the-range, built-in, or countertop), and range hood size. Cabinet makers and kitchen designers use these measurements to plan exact cabinet sizing, filler panels, and clearances. A 36-inch range requires different cabinet and countertop planning than a 30-inch range, and a counter-depth refrigerator needs different surrounding cabinetry than a standard-depth model.

Electrical and plumbing rough-in also depends on your appliance choices. A gas range requires a gas line and a different electrical outlet than an electric range. A built-in wall oven needs a dedicated 40 or 50-amp circuit at a specific height. A pot filler faucet behind the range needs a water supply line roughed in before the wall is closed. If your contractor discovers these requirements after walls are closed and inspected, it means tearing open drywall, re-inspecting, and significant added cost.

The Smart Approach

Here is the recommended timeline for NB kitchen renovations. Eight to ten weeks before demo, finalize your appliance selections and place orders. Four to six weeks before demo, confirm delivery dates with the retailer and share exact model specifications with your contractor and cabinet supplier. During renovation, have appliances delivered only when your contractor says the space is ready — typically after cabinets are set, countertops are templated or installed, and flooring is down. Storing appliances in a partially demolished kitchen risks damage from dust, debris, and accidental bumps.

If you are still deciding between models, at minimum confirm the category and rough dimensions so your designer can plan the layout. Swapping a Samsung 30-inch range for an LG 30-inch range later is painless. Switching from a 30-inch to a 36-inch range after cabinets are ordered is expensive.

Many NB appliance retailers will hold purchased appliances for several weeks at no charge. Ask about storage policies when you buy, and coordinate the delivery date with your contractor to avoid having expensive appliances sitting in your garage longer than necessary.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The New Brunswick Construction Network connects homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Gionetterenovations
• Thirty Four Renovations