Categories: DesignHome Remodeling

Preparing for a Kitchen Remodel: 6 Useful Steps!

Remodeling a kitchen is one of the most exciting projects you can do in a home! It can be extensive and require weeks or even months to complete, but the final product is always worth it. Your kitchen designer and construction team will do their job to give you the best renovation possible, but it is up to you to prepare for the project. You will need practical alternatives for cooking, cleaning and storing food, and you will want to keep your belongings clean and safe. The time you spend beforehand will pay off during the construction phase. These helpful tips below will aid in getting ready for the big remodel:

Step 1: Plan Early for Kitchen Remodeling

Months before the construction team begins demolition on your kitchen, you will want to begin working with a professional planner or kitchen designer. They will help you to make important and necessary decisions concerning layout, lighting, appliances and cabinetry. You do not want to be making those types of decisions after the kitchen has been gutted and destroyed.

Step 2: Get Your Building Permits for Your Kitchen Remodel

Part of the job of an experienced contractor is to get all the necessary building permits to remodel your kitchen before starting the job. They will also be able to schedule inspections. By staying on top of permits and inspection appointments, you ensure your kitchen is built up to code and that everything is done safely and by the book.

Step 3: Get Your Orders in Early Before Remodeling Your Kitchen

Your kitchen designer can help you with ordering and purchasing anything related to your new kitchen, including sinks, cabinets, appliances and other items. You will want to order these things early and inspect them when they arrive. Be sure they are exactly what you ordered and are the correct measurements. By placing your orders early, you can allow for freight damages, wrong dimensions, delays and other problems. Store them in a dry area that is secure, such as a garage or storage unit.

Step 4: Safeguard Your Valuables Before Remodeling Your Kitchen

To protect your items in your home from dust and damage during construction, you should cover furniture, electronics, computers, televisions, etc. You can also take down blinds, wall decor, curtains and rods to avoid excessive dust. Any valuable sculptures, paintings or other hanging objects should be taken down before demolition begins because they could easily be knocked off or damaged during construction.

Step 5: Prepare Your Makeshift Kitchen Area During the Remodeling Process

While your kitchen is being renovated, you will eat out a lot! Pizza and takeout are ok for a few nights out of the week, but that gets old after a while, not to mention costly. You’ll want to figure out somewhere else in your home to set up a makeshift kitchen that is out of the way of construction and in a clean safe spot. In your temporary kitchen, you will need a place to store food items such as cereals, chips, soup, brew coffee and make lunches. If you have a guesthouse or second kitchen to use instead, even better! A makeshift kitchen can be set up in a corner of a basement, workroom or garage and can be made out of tables, shelves, storage crates and folding chairs. A European tabletop cooking center, like they make for dorms or small apartments, is also a great alternative. These units have a small convection oven with two electric burners on top. You can then set up items such as a microwave, slow cooker, hot plates, small fridge and coffee pot in your cooking area.

To prepare for your kitchen remodel, you should take only the most essential kitchen tools you will need and pack up the rest. Also stock up on recyclable or biodegradable items such as plates, napkins, cups and utensils.

Tip: Put your grill to work! You can cook almost anything on a grill, including meats, vegetables, pizzas, biscuits, and of course s’mores!

Step 6: Keep Your Eye on the Prize During Kitchen Remodeling

Being put out during the renovation process is definitely inconvenient. But remember that this is only for a short period of time and the years of happiness you will have with your new kitchen will be worth every minute! Think of remodeling as an adventure where the hard work and hassles will pay off in the end!

Smith Brothers Kitchen Remodel: BEFORE

Smith Brothers Kitchen Remodel: AFTER

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Smith Brothers is a unique team of construction craftsmen, architects, and interior designers. Since 1978, we stress the absolute highest levels of quality, performance, value and service in each and every project. Our award-winning design ideas, expertise, and collective experience allow us to provide the very best in what we do. For more information please contact us at 877-230-0333, (+01) 858-350-1445, or info@smithbrothersconstruction.com.

Cheryl Smith

Co-owner of Smith Brothers Construction.