This is the Internet. You hear, see, and read all sorts of kitchen remodeling nightmares. The horror stories are enough to scare a lot of people away from remodeling the kitchen at all. We’re going to show you today how easy it is to make your kitchen remodel go as smoothly as possible and 20 tips to help you survive the process. Let’s get started.
- Plan Meals in Advance – Do you have a slow cooker? Do you like to bake? Plan ahead and make a variety of meals that you can freeze and eat any time. Some great ideas include: lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs, French onion soup, other types of soup, baked potatoes, and chicken casserole. Google freezer recipes for more great ideas.
- Plan the New Layout in Advance – We would never begin a project without knowing exactly what you want. We will help you design the new kitchen layout and ensure that all details are hammered out before any demolition begins.
- Order Materials in Advance – We will also help order all materials well in advance so we can avoid delays as much as possible. Make sure to order specialty items as early as possible.
- Communicate Your Ideas Effectively – The more information you give us about the kitchen of your dreams, the better. We need to know exactly what you want so we can provide it.
- Add to the Budget – Many homeowners fail to budget in 15% for incidentals. Include a fast food allowance if necessary, and over-estimate some things so you aren’t caught at the end of your budget but mid-remodel.
- Temporary Kitchen – A temporary kitchen can be put together with relative ease. Choose an area that is out of the way of the kitchen but close enough to be handy. Consider setting up the temporary kitchen near a half bath so you have a potential dishwashing area nearby.
- Create a Butler’s Pantry – This is a wonderful alternative to the temporary kitchen idea. An unused area of the dining room would be the perfect solution for a butler’s pantry. You may even wall it off with doors and keep it for added functionality after the project is complete.
- Temporary Dish Washing Station – Many homeowners don’t like the idea of washing dishes in the bathroom; completely understandable. Consider using a cooler or large pan and the garden hose instead.
- Bottled Water – Fill several gallon-sized containers, such as milk jugs, with water in case you need it for cleaning. Buy bottled water for drinking and cooking.
- Grill when You Can – Self explanatory.
We’ll share Part 2 of our kitchen renovation survival guide in the next blog, so make sure to come back for it!
Call us any time to discuss the first 10 or if you would like to schedule an appointment to discuss your remodeling project.