How to Survive a Kitchen Remodel
Planning a kitchen remodeling project is exciting and overwhelming. If you are doing a major kitchen remodeling project, you will spend weeks meeting with contractors and designers to carefully choose your new layout, counters, flooring, cabinets, lighting fixtures, and appliances and anticipate your dream kitchen. However, the remodeling process itself can be a challenge for any family. You will spend several weeks living in a construction zone while the contractor demolishes the old kitchen and installs the new one. Living without a kitchen – usually the heart of your home – can be challenging, but with the proper planning and preparation, you can get through the process.
Carefully Planning Your Remodel Can Help Alleviate Stress
Part of surviving a kitchen remodel is giving up the ability to control the process, but that doesn’t mean careful planning won’t make a big difference. If you are doing a major remodeling project, plan for 6-16 weeks of disruption. Make sure you schedule carefully to avoid times you can’t have your home in a construction zone and have realistic expectations about how disruptive the process will be. The more aware you are of what will happen, the better prepared you will be. If you have pets, primarily if those pets are used to eating or finding their water in the kitchen, prepare them a few weeks in advance so they get used to eating in a new location.
Find a Contractor You Can Trust
Being displaced from your kitchen can already be stressful, so it’s essential to find a contractor who will alleviate, not add to, your stress. When you are meeting with project contractors, find one you trust to give you realistic timelines and budgets, walk you through the entire process, and prepare you for the most disruptive parts. It may help to coordinate with your contractor to set up a “renovation-free” zone off-limits to construction mess and storage. Your contractor will be the link to the crew and can help ensure that this sanity-saving space will not be used to store boxes of tile, cabinets, or new appliances. Your contractor can help you through the displacement by being realistic about the renovation crew’s disruption, timeline, and needs.
Prepare to Be Displaced
The more prepared you are, the better you can cope. Packing up your kitchen, designate several small bins to store the essentials you need during the remodeling process. In one bin, store things like plastic wrap, tin foil, garbage bags, storage bags, and anything else you use regularly. In another, store essential cooking tools that you can use with the microwave, toaster oven, air fryer, crockpot, or other appliances that can be moved elsewhere. This should include a few knives (one carving, one paring, one bread), a few serving spoons, a can opener, bottle opener, and corkscrew, basic spices you use daily, such as salt and pepper, a few coffee cups, a cutting board, and whatever tableware you are planning to use. Some families embrace disposable dishes during this period, while others concerned with waste will choose to keep one set of dishes and utensils for each family member. Once you’ve set the basics aside to move to a temporary kitchen space, take the time to carefully pack away the rest of the kitchen, donating or disposing of anything you don’t want to move back into your new kitchen. While a renovation is disruptive, it can provide an excellent opportunity for a thorough cleanout.
Once your kitchen is emptied and ready for renovation, plan for a temporary kitchen space away from construction with essential cooking tools such as a microwave, crockpot, air fryer, coffee maker, mini fridge, and any other small appliances you know you will use for cooking (this is probably not the right time to decide you are ready to learn how to use a pressure cooker). Adapt your grocery shopping routine to only shop for what you can easily store and will use right away, and make meals that are easy to prep and clean. Finally, make sure you have a dedicated space with water for dishes. Some families will dedicate one bathroom to washing cooking dishes, while others will use a laundry sink.
Have an Escape Plan for the Worst
Realistically, you can’t move out for a multi-week renovation, but if you have the option, talk to your contractor about the best time to get out of the house. In most cases, this is after the initial demolition phase, so you can address any additional issues that may be discovered. If there is a period when water or electricity needs to be shut off, this is a great time to visit relatives or take a week away. You’ll not only miss the worst of the destruction, but you will come back refreshed and able to see the progress made.
When you focus on the payoff, not the inconvenience, you will find it much easier to get through a kitchen remodeling project. Yes, the process will be inconvenient, but it will be well worth it when you see the result. If you plan well, are willing to adapt, have some patience, and trust your contractor, you can keep a positive attitude through the process and spend the weeks of displacement ready to see your dream kitchen.
Why Choose Total Quality Construction?
Ready to turn your kitchen dreams into reality? Total Quality Construction is here to make it happen. Surviving a kitchen remodel is all about preparation and trust. With Total Quality Construction, you’ll find a partner you can rely on every step of the way.
From meticulous planning to expert execution, we’ll guide you through the process transparently and professionally. Say goodbye to stress and hello to your dream kitchen—Trust Total Quality Construction for a seamless remodeling experience. Contact us to learn more and start your journey to the kitchen you’ve always wanted.