Any kind of home remodel is bound to be stressful and create its fair share of upheaval around the house. Bathrooms and kitchen remodels are worse than other rooms because they are fundamental to our daily lives. This shouldn’t discourage you from improving your home, but you should be prepared to endure the disorder and chaos. With prep in mind, we look at how to survive a kitchen remodel.
Challenges With a Kitchen Renovation
Ripping out a kitchen and installing a better one involves heavy construction work, even more so if you plan to increase its size. Even if you’re just switching up the countertops or tweaking the plumbing, you should plan to be kitchen-less for a couple of days at least.
The reason why a kitchen remodel may give you a few added wrinkles is down to the upheaval, the cost, and the management of the project. To come out of the other end intact and with a new, shiny kitchen, preparation and planning are critical.
Planning and Preparation
The work that you put in now will pay off tenfold during the actual kitchen remodel. Busy people must take time to map out the fine details carefully. This is how to survive a kitchen remodel, no matter its scale.
Research and Budgeting
Proper research and budgeting are essential to kick-start this exciting yet daunting endeavor. Investing time and effort into these initial steps can save cash and minimize potential hiccups.
One of the key aspects of a remodel is finding experienced and reliable kitchen contractors and making intelligent choices when buying construction materials. Take the time to research and gather recommendations from friends, family, or online review platforms.
When selecting construction materials for your kitchen, comparing your options and prices is essential. Consider factors like durability, aesthetics, and functionality. By researching materials, you can make decisions that fit your budget and bring your dream kitchen to life.
Creating a detailed budget is crucial for a successful kitchen remodel. Start by assessing your financial situation and determining how much you can comfortably invest in the project. Be realistic about your expectations and prioritize essential aspects of the renovation.
Once you start getting stuck into the design aspect, it will be tempting to overspend on that chunky dining table or that flashy toaster oven. Your budget will help rein you in and ensure you don’t go over the top.
Design and Layout
Designing and planning the layout of your new kitchen is the stage of the kitchen remodeling process that most of us can get excited about. Here you can start implementing all of those ideas you’ve seen on Selling Sunset, although perhaps budget versions!
There will be some tough choices, be it the kitchen sink, the space’s flow, the countertops‘ thickness, or deciding between two tones of grey. We advise embracing this process and having fun with your kitchen renovation ideas.
Regarding your kitchen layout, it’s crucial to consider your needs and lifestyle. Popular kitchen layouts include L-shaped, U-shaped, galley, and island configurations. Each has its advantages, so choose one that maximizes space and facilitates smooth workflow based on your specific requirements.
Choose materials that look good and fit your lifestyle in the kitchen. Go for durable and stain-resistant options for busy households. Pick finishes that match your preferred style.
Cooking appliances are essential elements of any kitchen. Opt for energy-efficient models that can help you save money in the long run. Look for appliances that provide your desired features and functionalities, such as a spacious fridge or a versatile oven.
Temporary Kitchen Setup
Before demolition begins, you’ll need to set up a temporary kitchen with a folding table in another room in the home. Given the scale of a kitchen remodel, that room will be off-limits. You’ll need somewhere to cook, store food, wash dirty dishes, and eat.
If the remodel is small, you may prefer to eat out for convenience, at a friend’s or a restaurant, although the latter could prove pricey. Most remodels, however, aren’t quick, so a temporary kitchen will be needed, and eating out a few times isn’t a bad idea either.
The key here is to keep things simple and operate on a small scale. You won’t have much by way of cooking appliances, so a toaster oven, slow cooker, or instant pot in the dining room, living room, or even the garage will be enough to prepare food.
Create a basic menu plan, including dishes like a pot roast, chili con carne, or spaghetti bolognese, easy-to-prepare, one-pot dishes with minimal fuss. You could even buy a rotisserie chicken from the store, making your life even easier.
Be creative with food storage too. If you have an old fridge in the utility room or garage, this will be very handy. If not, borrow a shelf in the neighbor’s fridge, hit grocery stores daily for freshness, and stock up on non-perishable products.
Given that the kitchen sink will be out of action, you can utilize the bathroom sink to wash dishes. This isn’t ideal, of course; keep reminding yourself that it is only temporary.
Consider using the bathtub or a large basin outside if you only have a small bathroom sink, or live off disposable plates for ease. The additional cost of living this way will be worthwhile, given how easy it makes your life.
During The Remodel
The makeshift kitchen will ensure you can eat during the remodel, and there are other tips to remember as the remodeling crew are in the home.
Communication With the Contractor
We recommend letting the construction team get on with their job, but you should also have a clear line of communication with the contractor. This is about understanding the progress, and timeline and dealing with issues as they arise. A 5-minute chat each day is enough, perhaps in your makeshift kitchenette!
Staying Safe
Another important reason for clear communication is that you and your family can be safe during the remodel. To survive a kitchen remodel, you must manage stress levels and watch for power tools or harmful chemicals.
There are dangers on any work site, and that includes your old kitchen. Keep kids and pets well away from the construction zone at all times.
Before starting the project, you will have removed all kitchen supplies, cooking utensils, and small appliances from the kitchen, so there’s no need to go near the area until it is finished.
Managing the Stress
During this time, you must trust the process and the prep work you’ve done to keep stress levels to a minimum. It can be tough with all the noise and upheaval, boiling water in a coffee maker, and washing cooking utensils in a bathroom, but you will get through it.
Setbacks will occur, so you need to find ways of relaxing when they do. Try to avoid your house when work is happening. Speak with a friend or family member to spend some time there, or you could use a gym to help burn some stress away.
After the Remodel
Once the job is finished and signed off, resist the urge to get in there and start cooking immediately; there is a little work left to do.
Cleaning and Organizing
Builders do their best to keep things clean, but you will still have to clear out mess and waste from off-cuts, dust, plastic wrap from new appliances, etc. These tasks need to be completed as soon as possible.
Now is also a great time to get rid of old appliances, freeing up space in the house. If you leave this stuff past the first week, it becomes a bigger challenge to get rid of. Once completed, you’ll have the energy to clear the old to bring in the new.
Finally, before saying goodbye to your mini kitchen and start cooking in the new one, get organized. Find places for your utensils, dishes, pots and pans, slow cooker, crockery, and everything else you need.
Adjusting to the New Space
During your first month or so, you’ll find things confusing as you adjust to the space and learn where things are. This is all part of the fun: removing the plastic wrap, discovering how those new appliances work, trying to remember where things are, and learning to love your new kitchen.
Conclusion
A kitchen remodel is about picking the right contractor to deliver the work, visualizing your design ideas, planning well, and staying calm; sounds easy, right? This big but worthwhile task will add value and happiness to your household. Have questions about remodeling a kitchen? Contact us for any questions, or concerns, or if you are interested in a free consultation.
