Saturday, June 8, 2019

Step 38 - Appliances

The most important part of Step 36 happens before the appliances are on site or even heading your way measuring. Apply the carpenter's rule (measure twice, cut once) with an adjustment; measure twice, deliver and install once. Pull the tape measure across everything before you purchase or order the fridge, oven, washer, and dryer. And be certain to double check the dimensions on all the spaces where these units belong and keep in mind how much space you'll need for power cords, hoses, etc.

Appliances should be installed after flooring, finish carpentry, and painting are complete.  If the floors are covered with ceramic tile, vinyl, or laminate then these monster boxes can be wrestled in a little earlier than Step 36.  

In projects where gas appliances are part of the mix, snag some help from the plumber and electrician. In many cases they'll be glad to lend a hand and probably take the lead if you make an effort to coordinate these installations with other work they're already around for. And if the refrigerator comes with an ice maker, a plumber can get that hooked up smartly as well. 

Note:  It's best to have an in-cabinet microwave installed by the electrician during Electrical Trim Out (Step 31).