How to Plan Your Kitchen Remodel
No matter how great your contractor is, a kitchen remodel can upset your routine. Even with a plan for the work, you still have to make sure the process runs smoothly and make do without a full kitchen. Be prepared to minimize the inconvenience of not having a kitchen for a time by taking these steps.
- Plan a temporary kitchen.
Eating in restaurants or getting take out will get tiresome and strain your budget. Find a place in your home where you can make a quick lunch and coffee. Put up tables and shelves in another room to replace your kitchen short-term. Move the fridge to another room, if possible. If not, consider getting a mini-fridge to keep things close to your temporary kitchen.
- Pack up non-essentials.
During your kitchen remodel, you need to pare down your kitchen to just the essentials. Keep things simple by only keeping out the kitchen items you just can’t live without. Remove everything else.
- Plan to use your small appliances.
Your microwave, crockpot and electric griddle will be your best kitchen tools in your temporary kitchen. Plan meals that won’t take a lot of prep and that you can get cleaned up quickly. If the weather is good, use your grill as much as possible. If you have a freezer, make up some meals that can just be put in the oven or microwave while your kitchen is undergoing the remodel.
- Minimize cleanup.
Stock your pantry with disposables, such as paper plates, napkins, paper towels, plastic utensils and cups. Use crock-pot liners and parchment paper to reduce cleanup if you’re trying to be creative with washing dishes.
- Keep nonperishable foods on hand. Use convenience products, too.
Peanut butter, crackers and canned goods can help you make a quick meal without a lot of fuss. During your kitchen remodel, take advantage of products that are convenient. Buy prepared products in the produce department that are easy to use.
- Take your vacation during the remodel.
If you can get out of town while the bulk of the work is going on, you won’t be as inconvenienced. Ask relatives in town if the kids can stay over for a few days. Talk to friends about cooking for you. Offer to buy supplies if they’ll handle cooking and clean-up.
- Let your neighbors know.
No, you don’t need permission from your neighbors, but they could be inconvenienced by noisy power tools, extra traffic in the neighborhood and large trucks. A heads up goes a long way in consideration. Also, talk to the contractors about where they will park and when they will work.
Keep in mind that a kitchen remodel is a short-term project that you will enjoy for years to come. You will get through the renovations. Prepare yourself for challenges – expect Murphy’s Law to be in full force. If something can go wrong, it probably will. Having that in the back of your mind will help you manage the stress of your kitchen remodel.
