Taking the example of a fridge, below are a number of worthwhile considerations to ensure your appliances fit and operate correctly.
Before getting started we recommend checking installation manuals to confirm minimum clearances required around appliances, as it’s important that there is adequate ventilation. This will equip you with the information you needed when checking the plans. When reading architectural plans the dimensions are to structural members meaning they’re not ‘finished’ dimensions. An additional distance of 22mm needs to be applied to the space for each plastered end wall.
Another often overlooked factor is if the way appliances open. If a fridge door opens against a wall it affects the function of the fridge with regards to the removal of shelves and opening of drawers and compartments. To ensure the fridge has 100% functionality the fridge space needs to be located within the kitchen allowing the minimum door swing as specified within the manufacturers installation manual. The distance from the offending wall depends on the swing needed and can range anywhere from 100mm to 400mm. This also affects integrated fridge installations.
If you have selected an integrated fridge the cabinetry that encases the fridge is deeper than the conventional 600mm deep benchtop that might be alongside. This is again due to the ventilation required. A common overall depth of an integrated fridge cabinetry is 750mm.
Each fridge has different requirements and clearances so it’s always best to go through the installation manual thoroughly and work with the builder to achieve the desired kitchen layout.