How to Prepare Your NYC Apartment for Kitchen Installation

How to Prepare Your NYC Apartment for Kitchen Installation

Installing a new IKEA kitchen in a NYC apartment involves more preparation than a typical suburban renovation. Here's your complete checklist.

Building Requirements (2-4 Weeks Before)

Most NYC co-ops and condos require advance paperwork:

• Alteration agreement - Submit your renovation plans to the building management or board for approval
• Insurance certificates - Your installer must provide certificates of insurance naming the building as additionally insured
• Work hours - Confirm permitted work hours (typically Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm in most buildings)
• Elevator reservation - Book the freight elevator for material delivery and debris removal
• Neighbor notification - Many buildings require written notice to adjacent units

IKEA Delivery Preparation (1 Week Before)

• Verify your order - Cross-reference your delivery confirmation with your kitchen plan
• Clear a staging area - IKEA kitchen boxes take up significant space. Clear a room or hallway
• Building delivery rules - Confirm with your super: delivery entrance, elevator availability, floor protection requirements
• Inventory on delivery day - Open and check every box against your order. Report missing items to IKEA immediately

Kitchen Area Preparation (2-3 Days Before)

• Empty all cabinets - Remove dishes, food, cleaning supplies — everything
• Disconnect appliances - Unplug refrigerator (and let it defrost), disconnect gas range (call your gas company)
• Clear countertops - Remove small appliances, knife blocks, canisters
• Protect adjacent rooms - Lay drop cloths or cardboard to protect floors in hallways
• Set up a temporary kitchen - Move essentials (microwave, coffee maker, dish soap) to another room

Utility Considerations

• Gas shutoff - If your stove is gas, you may need Con Edison to shut off and restore gas service
• Water access - Ensure the installer can access shutoff valves for the sink area
• Electrical circuits - Know where your circuit breaker panel is and which circuits serve the kitchen

Day-Of Installation Checklist

1. Confirm freight elevator reservation with super
2. Ensure clear path from elevator/entrance to kitchen
3. Have building's emergency contact numbers handy
4. Plan to be available (or designate someone) to answer installer questions
5. Keep pets in a separate, closed room
6. Have cash or a tip ready if desired

Special Considerations for NYC Co-ops

Co-op boards are notoriously strict about renovations. Be prepared for:

• Board review of your contractor's license and insurance
• Possible requirement for an architect's letter
• Restrictions on work during summer months or holidays
• Security deposit (refundable) for common area protection

We handle all building coordination as part of our service for apartments in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and throughout the NYC metro area. Get a free quote and let us handle the logistics.