Preparing for a kitchen remodel
Preparing for a kitchen remodel
Once your contractor has given you a “start” or “demo” date, it is important that you prepare yourself and your family for construction. Having your kitchen remodeled is exciting! However, it does not simply mean securing the new appliances, counters, cabinets, flooring, and other construction supplies for the new kitchen. A kitchen remodel basically renders it inaccessible and unusable for the duration of the project, which can sometimes take longer than expected.
Typically, a kitchen remodel can take anywhere from three weeks to four months to complete. This is dependent on several factors, including the project complexity, the size of your kitchen, and your requested scope of work. So either way, having access to a kitchen of sorts is important.
However, fear not! There are a few steps you to take to make sure you can still cook meals and store food without depending solely on takeout.
Gather all loose items and pack them up
All objects in your kitchen that aren't bolted down will be put into this category - meaning mugs, glasses, silverware, cookware, food, decorations, and all countertop appliances.
Once gathered, sort them into four categories: Appliances, food items, everyday essentials, and storage. Your everyday essentials will be the items that you will continue to use during your kitchen remodel. Anything that's not essential and you can bear to not use for a while pop into storage.
Set up a temporary kitchen station
Your essential items above will form the basis of your temporary kitchen setup, plus food items and any essential appliances. If you have an outdoor kitchen or patio, this works great, especially in the summer months. Setting up a temporary kitchen could be as easy as transferring your appliances, utensils, and food items outside. If you don’t have outside space, you can create a temporary kitchen in the dining room, living room, or any spacious, adjacent area. If new appliances are part of your kitchen remodel, throw out all the old models except for your stove, microwave, and refrigerator for now as you will need them. Alternatively, if you have portable stoves, such as an electric stove or a camping stove, and mini-refrigerators, you can use those.
Focus on Food Storage
It can be useful to pop all food items into categories, especially if you aren’t placing them in cupboards. Canned goods, sauces, spices, cooking oils, and “dry” goods like chips, baking supplies, and pasta can be packed into boxes and stored in a dry area of your home i.e. guest bedroom or living room. Food items that need to be frozen or refrigerated, such as fish, milk, chicken, meats, and crisper vegetables and fruits will have to stay in the refrigerator.
A little tip - stock up on dry goods and try to use up your frozen foods before the kitchen remodel begins. It can help to have as little fresh food as possible (depending on the duration of your remodel). This can help lessen the stress.
Choose your food options beforehand
It can be easy to fall into a rut of eating out a lot during your kitchen remodel because it feels “easier”, but it is not healthier (for your body or bank balance). Plan your meals around small appliances such as the microwave, toaster/toaster oven, slow cooker, electric griddles and skillets, and hot plates.
Some ideas to help lessen the stress of preparing meals in your temporary kitchen could include:
- Prepare meals and then freeze them
- Use an electric oven to cook the frozen meals
- Cook in the crockpot or slow cooker
- BBQ food
Stay safe - disconnect all lines to and from the kitchen
This is possibly the most important step to take. Before the project begins, disconnect the gas, plumbing, and electricity from your kitchen. Disconnect the water and drain pipes from the sink, dishwasher, and refrigerator (if necessary) as well this helps to eliminate the risk of flooding or leaking during the remodeling process.
Take these simple steps to make your life easier!
Getting ready ahead of time for your kitchen remodel can really make your life easier and better while you’ll be remodeling! Take some time to prepare your house, yourself, and your family.
If you need help remodeling your home, let us know! We’d love to support you in this transition!