Kitchen Renovations In Nepean

Replacing cabinets, countertops, and appliances in the same location does not require a permit. Moving plumbing, adding or relocating electrical circuits, or altering any wall, load-bearing or not, triggers a City of Ottawa building permit requirement.

OGC handles the full permit process for every applicable project: application, drawings, fees, and inspection scheduling, so you don't have to manage any of it.

2 weeks for a basic rip-and-replace; 3–5 months for a full renovation with structural changes. Most elapsed time is planning, permit approval, and cabinet lead times (4–8 weeks from order). Active on-site construction runs 6–10 weeks for a full project. Budget 4–6 months total from signing to first use.

Yes, older homes in Bells Corners, Craig Henry, Pinecrest, and Qualicum may have knob-and-tube wiring, aluminum branch circuits, or original cast iron drain stacks that need to be addressed when walls are open. None are project-stoppers, but all must be handled to meet current code.

The renovation phase is the lowest-cost time to address these issues, trades are already on site and walls are already open. We include a discovery allowance in every quote and walk you through anything we find before spending a dollar of it.

Yes, this is one of the most common projects we do in Nepean. The wall between the kitchen and dining or living room in a 1960s–80s bungalow or split-level is usually load-bearing, which means it requires a structural engineer, a replacement beam, and a City of Ottawa permit.

A load-bearing wall removal typically adds $8,000–$20,000 to the project depending on span and beam type. OGC manages the full process: structural engineer, permit, temporary shoring, beam installation, all under one contract.

Cabinetry is typically 30–45% of the total budget. Semi-custom runs $160–$380 per linear foot; fully custom ranges from $600–$1,200+ per linear foot. After cabinets, the biggest line items are countertops (quartz runs $75–$150/sq ft), appliances, and labour. Structural work (wall removal, beam, plumbing relocation) can match the cabinet budget on its own.

Yes, most Nepean homeowners stay in their homes throughout. Expect noise during working hours, dust, and no kitchen access during the active build phase. A microwave, mini fridge, and electric kettle in the dining room makes it manageable. We use dust barriers and floor protection throughout and clean up daily before leaving.

A rip and replace keeps the exact same footprint: everything comes out and new materials go in at the same positions. No plumbing moves, no wall changes. Faster and less expensive. Ideal when the layout works but the finishes are dated.

A full renovation changes the layout itself: walls down, plumbing relocated, island added. The right choice when the bones of the kitchen are wrong, not just the surfaces. Requires permits and more time, but produces a fundamentally different result.

Yes, older and architecturally distinct homes are a regular part of our work in Nepean. Postwar bungalows, 1960s split-levels, and mid-century homes each have structural quirks that a general contractor needs to understand before proposing a layout change. We've worked in enough of them to know what to look for and how to design around the constraints rather than fight them.

Yes, OGC offers financing options so you can start without paying the full amount upfront. Ask your project consultant for current terms during your free consultation. Many Nepean homeowners also use a HELOC. Nepean's strong and stable property values mean most long-term homeowners have significant equity available to draw from.