Where was the electrical PLAN that went with the kitchen remodel??

I'm going to have to assume, there was no "plan" ?

What was the purpose/need for the sub panel? Was there an electrical PERMIT in place? Was this your contractor or his licensed sub?

No pro does anything for "free" . So, answers to all above with the warning......free electrical is perhaps going to be very costly.

@JAN MOYER There was a change order mid-way through the remodel to convert our living room fireplace from gas to electric. I assume what happened was that they discovered (or decided) that they needed to create a new subpanel for this instead of using the existing panels so that's why they did it and pulled in some of the kitchen electrical into it as well. I don't know whether this was caused explicitly by the addition of the fireplace or whether this was part of the plan to begin with. No idea whether there was a permit for this or whether this was done by the contractor or sub. It just kind of showed up at the end of the remodel.

"It just showed up". Well. I can tell you right now the first thing i do is call a very reputable licensed independent electrician and get a darn inspection. Your contractor, seems quite obviously a hack, unless you can show me a phone pic of the PERMITS that should be taped up in your windows.

I have no idea, WHY you would convert a gas fireplace to electric, either. Different issue.........

Get an inspection.

Just call for an inspection from the city or county where you took out the permit. The licensed official will not sign off on the final inspection if not done properly.

"Where you took out the permit"............

The contractor is responsible for the permitting. Electrical, plumbing, windows, all. Where is it?

@JAN MOYER I should clarify that the contractor did say they scheduled and passed final inspection, so I guess there was a permit for this (I misspoke earlier). My comment about how "it just showed up" is more around the fact that the contractor never told us about this panel or any electrical plan until the end when we just kind of discovered it was done.

As for the fireplace conversion, we live in SoCal so the fireplace basically never gets used and we felt more comfortable with electric than gas for safety reasons with young kids in the house.

If you passed final it was done properly.

I see no reason for the conversion : ) Especially if you don't USE it. That said?

None of us know the state of the original circuit box, what was added electrically over the course of remodel or anything else.

We don't know if there was another locale possibility for the added panel. All of which are questions for you to address with those you HIRED. If it will make you miserable in the new location? You ask why you weren't informed/consulted......and they can then discuss with you a move and how "free" that might be.

I would need a ton more info before answering. First I would want to see the sign off permit. Then where is the main electrical box ? In my experience a sub box is usually put close to the original box .I have to agree the FP at all is confusing and obviuosly created issues. I would wonder about the original electric if a sub panel was needed for one electric FP.In a kitchen renovation there is often need for a sub panel but that should be discussed with the home owner as to where it would go and why?

If the subpanel is showing up in a prominent place in your kitchen I would hope the G.C. would ok the location with you before installing.

Yes i would expect them to check for something like this, although cant say i’m super surprised either. ours checked placement with us (something along the lines of “we’re gonna put it here ok?”). i think the issue now is whether to fuss about it enough to pay them to move it.

If it was "free" to get it where you weren't asked? It's FREE to put it where it can go/you want.

"I'm wondering, how normal is this?"

Very. When something is not spec'd, and there is no one on-site to make decisions that will affect design, especially when the future design is unknown or not communicated, then whatever is easy and cheap. If the contractor didn't think it was a big deal, then they might not even think to ask the client, or weighed standing around to wait for an answer vs just doing it. Or they just don't care. And, I have been on jobs where the contractor knows it will cause problems, and continues because that means more money in their pocket for a future change order.

Your subpanel with homeruns will be very expensive to move. And realize that any electrical panel requires a dedicated clear space in front of it from floor to above it.