Planning a kitchen renovation is an exciting step, and often a long-awaited one. Whether you’re craving more storage, a better workflow, or simply want to refresh the look and feel, the idea of transforming your kitchen is full of possibility.
But as the ideas start flowing, so do the questions:
Where do you begin? Who do you call first? How long does it all take? Do you really need a designer?
If you’re considering a kitchen renovation in Ottawa, you’re not alone. Here’s what to expect, who’s involved, and why a thoughtful approach makes all the difference.
When Should You Bring a Designer into the Process?
The short answer: as early as possible. A designer helps you lay the foundation for a renovation that’s not only beautiful, but functional and well-planned from the start.
From rethinking layouts to choosing finishes and planning around how you live, early design involvement prevents costly changes later, and avoids the common trap of making decisions reactively. Even if you already have a contractor or architect in mind, your designer ensures all the moving parts align and your vision comes together with clarity and purpose.
Working with a designer early also gives you a clearer idea of your renovation budget, based on the scope of work and the level of finish you’re hoping to achieve. This helps manage expectations and guide your decisions with confidence.
How Long Will It All Take?
This is one of the most common questions I hear—and it’s a great one. While timelines can vary depending on the project, here’s a general idea of what to expect:
-
Design & Planning: 4–8 weeks
This includes consultations, layout development, finish selections, technical drawings, and coordinating with suppliers and trades. -
Permits (if needed): 2–4 weeks
If structural changes are required, additional time may be needed for engineering, drawings, and city approvals. -
Construction: 8–10 weeks
This phase includes demolition, structural or mechanical updates, cabinetry installation, countertops, tile, lighting, and finishing touches.
Who’s Involved in a Kitchen Renovation?
A successful kitchen renovation relies on a team of skilled professionals, each playing a specific role in making your kitchen both functional and beautiful. Here’s who is typically involved:
Interior Design Professional
Guides the process from start to finish helping plan your layout, select materials, coordinate trades, and ensure every detail supports your lifestyle.
General Contractor
A trusted general contractor oversees day-to-day construction, manages the trades, and ensures everything is built safely and up to code. Their role is pivotal to keeping your renovation on track and ensuring that the quality of work reflects your expectations.
Don Orsini from Dream Living Construction shares:
“A kitchen renovation can range from six weeks to 10–12 weeks from demolition to final touch-ups, depending on the kitchen’s size and scope of work. Scheduling trades well in advance and leaving buffer time for surprises is key to staying on track.”
He also notes that preparation plays a big role in success:
“It helps if homeowners clear out breakables, plan for a temporary kitchen setup, and are mentally ready for a bit of noise and dust during the process.”
In addition to managing timelines, a contractor ensures your renovation follows all required protocols.
“During any renovation project, building codes, safety rules, and local laws must always be followed to provide a safe environment and high-quality workmanship,” explains Don. “Sometimes, that means permits are required before work can begin. We assist with that process. And if an architect or structural engineer is needed, we have certified professionals ready to step in. We handle the permit process too, so the homeowner doesn’t have to worry about navigating that part of the project.”
A contractor like Dream Living doesn’t just build—they simplify the process, allowing you to focus on the exciting transformation ahead.
Structural Engineer or Architect
Required when you’re removing or modifying load-bearing walls.
Cabinetry Supplier or Millworker
Designs and builds cabinetry tailored to your layout, storage needs, and style. Many trusted local cabinetry suppliers offer a wide range of customization options and price points, ensuring solutions that suit both your vision and budget.
Countertop Fabricator
Provides surfaces that combine beauty and durability.
Andrea Sangiorgi from StoneMason Custom Quartz Inc. shares:
“Quartz remains the most popular material due to its durability, wide color range, and reasonable price points. Pencil and waterfall edges are trending now, with flat edges from Europe starting to make their way to North America.”
When asked about unique countertop features, Andrea adds:
“Homeowners often miss opportunities like integrated drainboards or rounded corners that improve function and safety. It’s worth discussing these during planning.”
His team typically needs just 10 days from templating to installation, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
Plumbing Fixtures Supplier
Beyond faucets and sinks, plumbing suppliers offer innovations that can transform daily routines.
Jim Sourges of The Electrical and Plumbing Store highlights:
“Touch and touchless faucets are gaining popularity for their convenience, and even commercial-grade features like glass washers and chilled or carbonated water dispensers are now available for home kitchens.”
He also notes the quality difference between showroom brands and big-box store offerings:
“Showroom brands use solid brass construction, thermostatic temperature controls, and high-quality ceramic disk water controls that ensure longevity and performance.”
For Canadian-made options, Jim recommends Riobel, Rubinet, Baril, and Vogt for their durability and design.
Lighting Supplier
Helps create a layered lighting plan—task, ambient, and decorative—for a bright and balanced kitchen. Lighting placement is crucial for both function and ambiance, and a supplier can help you avoid common mistakes like under-lighted prep areas.
Tile Supplier
Tiles can be one of the most expressive elements in a kitchen renovation, and innovations in this area are constantly evolving.
The team at Centura Tile Ottawa notes that porcelain is still the most reliable option for our region’s climate, especially when it comes to outdoor spaces.
“With Ottawa’s wide temperature swings and long winters, porcelain tile is dense, frost-resistant, and extremely durable, making it ideal for high-traffic areas, mudrooms, and outdoor patios exposed to freeze-thaw cycles. Indoors, porcelain and ceramic are still top choices for kitchens and bathrooms because they’re low-maintenance, water-resistant, and retain radiant heat well when used over heated floors,” the team explains. “For outdoor installations, we often recommend 2 cm thick porcelain pavers, which offer the beauty of stone with superior slip resistance and durability through harsh weather.”
When it comes to design, Centura’s experts are seeing creative layouts take center stage.
“Vertical stacked backsplashes are gaining popularity for adding height and a modern, streamlined look. We’re also seeing designers mix two tile shapes—like pairing a classic subway tile with hexagons or elongated pickets—to define zones within an open kitchen. For a bold and seamless effect, large-format porcelain panels or full-height slabs as backsplashes eliminate grout lines and bring a luxurious, uninterrupted finish.”
Centura is also excited about the new materials and styles shaping today’s kitchens.
“Porcelain slabs and panels, some reaching up to 12 feet high, are being used for countertops, backsplashes, and shower walls, creating a sleek stone look with minimal seams. Concrete-look and terrazzo-look porcelains are on the rise, offering an industrial yet refined aesthetic, while ultra-realistic wood-look porcelain planks give the warmth of wood with the durability of tile—perfect for kitchens, mudrooms, and basements. We’re also seeing 3D textured wall tiles used to add dimension and light play to feature walls, as well as eco-conscious tiles with recycled content and carbon-neutral manufacturing.”
Flooring Supplier
Offers kitchen-appropriate flooring materials such as tile, luxury vinyl, or engineered hardwood—that balance style and durability.
Appliance Supplier
Guides you through selecting appliances that suit your cooking habits, layout, and energy-efficiency preferences.
Furniture Supplier
If your kitchen includes a dining area, island seating, or a breakfast nook, they help source the right pieces to complete the space.
The designer orchestrates all of these parties on behalf of the homeowner, ensuring a seamless process, confident decisions, and a final result that’s both beautiful and perfectly tailored to your home.
Why Hire a Designer?
Renovating your kitchen is a big investment in time, energy, and money. And while it’s tempting to think you can manage it all yourself, the reality is: it’s a lot.
A designer helps you avoid overwhelm and get the most out of your space. From smart layouts and custom storage solutions to carefully selected finishes and fixtures, every decision is intentional. You also gain access to trusted local suppliers and trades, many of whom you might not discover on your own.
A designer also helps you navigate priorities and costs, so you can invest wisely ensuring your kitchen not only looks stunning but works beautifully for your everyday life.
Your Designer Is Your Trusted Guide
Renovating your kitchen can feel exciting and overwhelming all at once. That’s why your designer plays such a critical role, not just in the way things look, but in how smoothly the process unfolds.
A good designer is your advocate. Someone who listens to what matters to you, protects your investment, and helps you avoid costly mistakes. From budgeting and design planning to selecting the right team and guiding construction, your designer brings clarity to the process, and transforms uncertainty into confidence.
If you’re planning a kitchen renovation in Ottawa and want a clear, personalized approach, I’d love to help bring your vision to life beautifully and seamlessly.
Book a consultation to get started.
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