Did you know that when your home improvement contractor provides you with a start date for your kitchen renovation or remodeling project, it’s necessary to start preparing yourself and your family for the construction phase? This is due to the fact that your current kitchen will be closed down and out of operation for the duration of the job. So, the question that you should be asking yourself is how can I prepare for a kitchen remodel. First and foremost, you will need to create an eating plan for the entire time it will take to complete the project.
Figure a typical kitchen remodel takes anywhere from 6-8 weeks minimum, so you probably don’t want to eat out for every meal. Although you can’t cook on your stove, you can pre-prepare meals before the project begins and heat them up in a microwave oven. If your current kitchen has a built-in microwave, it’s well worth buying a stand-alone model that you can use for the duration of the project. You can also grill meals outside and even do some cooking in a crockpot and or hot plate. However, before you can start doing any of that, you will need to pack up your current kitchen.
First, set up a temporary kitchen in a room that isn’t used too much such as the dining room or living room. Keep items that will need to be unpacked in your temporary kitchen in an area that is accessible. Next, be sure to label the boxes as your packing. In essence, you should treat this just like you’re moving. Make sure to secure wall-mounted china, pictures, paintings and any other breakable items or collectibles. You certainly don’t want them to break during construction or when moving them to another room. Remove any throw rugs that are either in the kitchen or in the pathway to the kitchen.
Although most people don’t consider this, it’s helpful to find a secure location where you can keep your mail. When creating a temporary kitchen area, it’s important to have a refrigerator in order to keep certain foods cold. You can either move your old refrigerator or use a mini fridge like the college students do. Make sure to place it near a water source. You should also add a table where you can place the standalone microwave oven. Here’s a helpful hint. Place a trash can below the table.
You should also keep a bunch of non-perishable snacks handy such as soups, chips, cereal and or whatever you and your family like to eat. You can also make it easy on yourself by purchasing pre-prepared microwave dinners. Make sure to keep paper towels, garbage bags, paper plates and cups, and plastic utensils handy. Don’t forget to set up your coffee maker, coffee filters and coffee, or coffee pods, mugs, and cream and sugar in the temporary kitchen. You’re certainly going to need coffee to help get you through the project.
For more information about how to prepare for a kitchen remodel, or questions about our design and build services, or to schedule an initial consultation in Connecticut or Massachusetts please contact us today at 860-341-6373. DBC Solutions takes great pride in providing the highest quality custom carpentry and contracting services in the home improvement industry. Our business model has been the same for 17 years. Doing things the right way the first time every time is the only way to do it.
