Tips to Surviving a Kitchen Remodel

It's a stressful thing to live through a kitchen remodeling project, consider these up-front tips to help stay focused on the end results.

#1 Getting Ready and Packing Up

Your kitchen cabinets and drawers are likely packed full - that stuff will need to go somewhere during the remodel. Is it all needed to go back in?

• This is a great time to clear un-needed items that have been cluttering up the kitchen, and a good opportunity to make charitable donations of those items you no longer need.
  
  
• Where are you going to store the packing boxes and furniture during the kitchen renovation? Could you use a portable storage pod?
  
  
• Consider the kitchen items you may need to keep out; but be selective. Storing them in covered tupperware tubs help keep them clean.
  
  
• Disposable plates and silverware are convenient (while not entirely environmentally friendly....)

#2 Communication is Vital

From the 1st time you meet your remodel contractor and interior designer, communication is essential. This should be a collaborative team effort, with the game plan focusing on the desired outcome; therefore creating predictable results and an enjoyable experience.

A pre-construction conference with the remodeling contractor team goes a long way to establishing the guidelines and expectations for what you will experience together during the kitchen renovation project.  

• Discuss the construction schedule and the major milestones that will be realized as the design-build kitchen remodel evolves.
  
  
• What will the daily work hours be?
  
  
• Identify access to the home; who will be responsible for the house key, what about the alarm code?  Can your alarm company establish a special code for the contractors' use?
  
  
• Outline the primary contacts and the ideal way to reach them.  Not only the contractors' main contact person, but yours as well.
  
  
• Do you have pets?  Decide where they will be safely confined from the daily disruption.
  
  
• Understand what the remodeling contractor cleanup procedure includes; with the goal to keep dust contained to the work area.
  
  
• Identify a location outside for cleaning of tools, washing hands, etc. if necessary.
  
  
• Where will material be stored?  Where do the construction crews park?  Where will the dumpster be, and for how long?
  
  
• Is there a porta-jon onsite, or are they using an indoor bathroom?  How will that be kept clean?
  
  
• The list goes on.  An organized and professional design/build remodel contractor will schedule a pre-construction conference with you, and have a checklist that outlines these questions and more.
  
  

#3 Living through the Kitchen Remodel

In all likelihood, you'll be living in the home during the kitchen renovation; take some precautionary steps to make it as comfortable and bearable as possible.

• Designate a "quiet space" to escape the disorder, and "get away", indoors or out, you'll appreciate some time away from the dust.
  
  
• What effect will the project have on the kids' daily routines?
  
  
• Setup a temporary "kitchen area" to include your refrigerator, microwave, toaster, and don't forget the coffee maker for your daily cup.
  
  
• Utilize a guest bathroom or laundry sink to use an area to clean dishes.
  
  
• Prepare yourself for the Emotional Roller Coaster you'll find yourself on, but keep your eye on the prize!

Or........