How to Survive a Kitchen Remodel
You’ve decided to move forward and remodel your kitchen. Woohoo! We are so excited for you to have a kitchen you love! As you know, a remodel doesn’t happen overnight. Not everyone has the luxury of leaving their house for 8+ weeks while we complete the project. If you’re like most and will be living at home through the renovation, we have some tips to make the process easier and what to expect before your project is completed!
Prepare and get organized
Set aside time to prepare and freeze meals you can easily reheat in the microwave, electric skillet or crock pot. Stock up on disposable plates, utensils and store away all the things you won’t be needing. Some things you’ll want to keep handy: grilling tools, knives, cutting board, 2-3 platters, serving spoons, can opener, storage containers, salt, pepper and other spices.
Temporary kitchenette
You’re in luck if you have a basement bar. For the rest of us, it’s more of a challenge. Think about how you’re going to handle cooking messes. The laundry room or the patio, garden hose and a dish washing tub might be the answer. Your makeshift kitchen should include a refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, toaster, slow cooker, electric frying pan and, of course… a grill! It’s totally acceptable to eat more brats and burgers during this time.
Project manager, Kirk, does an excellent job of keeping everyone in the loop and on task.
THE new normal
Anticipate your normal routine to be disrupted and be prepared to feel a small invasion of privacy. Contractors, designers, plumbers, electricians, etc. will be coming and going. Our team does a great job of scheduling and completing work during the 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. window, however, some pieces of the project are more time sensitive and may require an installer staying later than 6:00 p.m. Communication is key for everyone involved.
Furry family members
If you have pets, think about where they will be while contractors are in your home. Will they be safe and out of the way while tradespeople are walking in and out of your home and making loud noises? Although our team members love furry friends and would enjoy their company, arrangements will need to be made for the safest and least stressful place for them to be kept during the day.
Be flexible and patient
It’s going to be messy and noisy. It’s likely there will be delays and unexpected change orders. Unable to make anything else for breakfast, you might eat a lot of Pop-Tarts. You’ll probably find yourself rinsing a dish in your bathtub. When your patience is tested, keep the big picture of a beautifully remodeled kitchen in mind! Our knowledgeable designers, project managers and field technicians work together to ensure the renovation is done properly and staying on schedule. Project managers and contractors expect some hiccups to arise; problem solving is their normal and they are great at finding creative solutions.
