A kitchen remodel can be an exciting yet daunting endeavor. From envisioning your ideal design to managing the renovation process, there are numerous factors to consider and steps to take before embarking on this transformative journey. Here are 10 ways to help you prepare before starting a kitchen remodel.

1. Hire a trusted designer and contractor

You have decided it’s finally time to update that dated kitchen or bathroom in your house, but where do you start?  First and foremost, you want to hire a contractor and designer that you can trust.  Asking the right questions before signing the contract can help you immensely!  Check to make sure your contractor is licensed and insured.  Ask for references!  If you are working with a designer, they will typically have trusted contractors that they can point you to.  Utilizing a designer upfront in your project is also very important as they can help you visualize the project right from the start.  This is important so you aren’t wasting time later with unforeseen changes in the middle of the project while your house is all torn apart.

2. Make sure you know your timeline before the project begins

Before you tear out your kitchen, you want to have a timeline to know how long you will be living without this space.  Work with your contractor to have a calendar and timeline planned out.  If your contractor is a one-person team and needs help with managing the project, many designers also act as project managers and can assist with moving the project forward. 

3. Ask your contractor about mitigations and entrance locations

Avoiding dust just isn’t possible during a large remodel, and if you are living there you want to make sure you can keep as much of the dust out of your other living spaces as possible.  Ask your contractor if the team will put barriers up such as plastic sheeting to close off the area being worked on.  Check to see which entrance the tradespeople will be using.  If they have to travel through an area that won’t be under construction, it may make sense for them to lay paper down to protect hardwood & tile or plastic over carpeting.  If you won’t be home during the day and you have a lot of tradespeople coming in and out of your home, your contractor may add a lock box to their entrance so they can securely access your home.

4. Make sure selections are ordered or available within your timeline before starting

Most designers and contractors will have you select all of the items for your kitchen including cabinetry, sink, backsplash, countertops, lighting, hardware, and flooring to make sure everything will be in stock and ready to be delivered in time for installation.  Stock levels of appliances have been a challenge the last couple of years, so you may need to be flexible with your choices in order to keep your construction timeline moving forward.

5. Set up a temporary mini kitchen station

Most kitchen remodels take at least 6-8 weeks with more complicated projects taking longer.  If you are used to doing a lot of cooking, you will need to adjust your habits a bit during that time.  While you likely won’t be making any gourmet meals, you will need some space to prepare smaller meals or quick heat ups.  Setting up an area with a mini fridge, microwave, and small appliances such as a toaster, Crock Pot, or Instant Pot should help you get through while you wait for your dream kitchen to get finished.   Try and set this space up near a water source and most importantly, don’t forget your coffee pot!

6. Shop for items to make your life easier before you get started

You will need to pack up your whole kitchen before the demolition begins so the first thing you want to have on hand is plenty of plastic bins or boxes to hold all of your kitchen items & food from the pantry.  Here are some items you may want to consider buying (or borrowing) before your project starts:

• Clear plastic bins or boxes
• Disposable plates & cups, plasticware
• Paper Towels
• Trash Bags
• Mini Fridge
• Countertop Microwave
• Crock Pot or Instant Pot

7. Utilize Your Local Buy Nothing Site

Before you go out and buy many of the above items, if you are part of a local Buy Nothing page, ask your neighbors for help!  You may be able to find a mini fridge or countertop microwave that someone is willing to give you or even just allow you to borrow it during your remodel.  This is a great way to save money when you would rather put it towards upgraded lighting or specialty cabinet pulls you are selecting for your kitchen!

8. Budget for more carry out or eating out than normal

Even if you are able to set up some spaces for cooking or have some freezer meals prepared, it’s likely that you will end up with more restaurant dinners and carry-out during the weeks that your kitchen is out of commission.  Plan for this extra cost in your overall budget if you are used to cooking at home.

9. If you live in a colder climate, try to renovate during warmer months

There are a lot of benefits to doing your kitchen remodel during the warmer months if you live in a part of the country that has harsh winters.  During construction, you may want to open windows to air out the space due to off-gassing of paint and other products, such as cabinetry.  In addition, with tradespeople in and out of your home, doors will be opening often and this can cause the inside your home to get chilly during the winter.  Another benefit of renovating during the warmer months is having the opportunity to grill outside, allowing for more meals to be made at home.

10. Consider hiring a post-construction cleaning company

Construction means dirt and dust and it’s really best to just accept that while your remodel is underway.  Once your kitchen is complete, you are going to be excited to use it and will want everything nice and clean.  Most contractors will typically clear out trash and large debris on their way out, but not all will provide a focused cleaning.  If a full clean isn’t included in your contract, reaching out to a professional cleaning company for a post-construction clean will ensure that your home is clean, fresh and ready for immediate use.

Ready to start your kitchen remodel?  Reach out for a complementary discovery call to start the design process!

https://calendly.com/jamie-ebonyandoak/complimentary-30-minute-discovery-call?month=2023-03