Upgrading kitchen appliances is a big deal. It’s where technology meets style and can make even a culinary expert drool.
But before you order those new dishwashers or refrigerators, there are a few things to keep in mind. This guide will walk you through everything you need about appliance installation.
Measure the Space
Whether you’re replacing appliances Rockville, MD, remodeling to change the layout of your kitchen, or building your dream kitchen from scratch, planning and measuring is essential. Getting the right measurements will ensure that your new appliances fit well in your kitchen and won’t leave any gaps or protrusions.
If upgrading from free-standing appliances to built-in ones, consider the appliance’s width too. Built-ins are sleeker and often sport features like digital controls or multiple lighting systems. However, they can also be more expensive than traditional free-standing appliances.
Finally, if you’re ordering your appliances online or from a retailer, measure the width and depth of any hallways and turns they must pass through to get into your home. This will help ensure that your new appliances can be delivered safely.
Turn Off the Water and Gas
If you upgrade to new appliances or add a refrigerator or dishwasher to your kitchen, you may need to install some pipes or vents. The process is much easier and safer if you turn off the water and gas before beginning the project.
You may also need to check if your electrical system can handle the load of a new appliance or if you’ll need to add a new circuit in your home. Some retailers and brands have this information listed on their websites.
For gas, shut off the valve under your house at the main gas line and near your kitchen stove. If you can smell gas throughout the house, evacuate and call your local utility company. If the odor is localized, you can often safely turn the gas back on by following the steps that the gas company technician would take.
Remove the Old Appliances
Appliances are expensive investments and are not cheap to replace when they break down. Thankfully, many options exist for removing old appliances when it comes time to upgrade.
If the appliance is still working and you don’t have a use for it, consider donating it to a secondhand store that supports a local cause or charity. Otherwise, you can take it to a used appliance dealer or scrap metal merchant and sell it for cash.
Even small appliances like toasters and blenders have valuable materials that shouldn’t be in the trash. Try to recycle as much as possible. If you can’t do that, work with a junk removal service near you to make the process easy and fast. They’ll haul away your old appliances and help you save space in the kitchen.
Remove the Cabinets
Before removing your cabinets, it’s important to shut off all the water and gas valves. This will prevent any leaks or accidents during the removal process.
Most base cabinets have simple fixings on the back that keep them from moving around, and most wall cabinets are secured by screws to the studs. Remove all of the screws from the cabinet using a screwdriver or power drill.
You may also have to remove any decorative trims or molding. If you plan on reusing or selling the cabinets, consider labeling them. Keeping all of the small parts in labeled plastic bags is an easy way to ensure you don’t lose anything. Additionally, it’s a good idea to pad the flooring of your kitchen while you’re working to protect it from damage.
Install the New Appliances
Once the appliances are delivered, it’s time to install them. You can do some basic things before and after the delivery to ensure the process goes smoothly. For example, make sure to run through a pre-delivery checklist. This can help ensure that your refrigerator, dishwasher, range, and washer or dryer are installed correctly in your home.
Whether you’re installing the appliances yourself or hiring a professional, it’s also important to buy the necessary appliance installation parts. For example, you may need new water supply hoses for your dishwasher or a vent kit for your dryer. You can find these at your local hardware store or online. You can also look for bundle deals or appliance sales to save money on shipping and installation costs.