Preparing to Survive the Mess and Stress of Your Kitchen Remodel

Kitchen remodel can be a dream come true once the dust is cleared. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be some sacrifices along the way to finally bring your dream kitchen to life. Remodeling is noisy, messy, and dusty. It’s also not just limited to your kitchen area – your entire home transforms into a construction zone. In the midst of the build-out, it can seem like it’s taking a long time to finally be complete. 

This is why preparation is pertinent for you and your family to be able to maintain your sanity and survive the entire process. By following this expert checklist to survive your kitchen remodel, you’ll be ready to pack up your kitchen and set up a functional temporary kitchen. We’ll also share meal preparation tips and alternate space considerations. Your dream kitchen is just around the corner, so embrace the experience and focus on the end result. You can even make it an adventure and have fun with it! 

Carpenter’s Touch Kitchen Remodel | HERNDON, VA

Expert Checklist to Survive Your Kitchen Remodel

Pack Up Your Kitchen in Advance

• Sort items into 3 categories: storage for new kitchen / temporary kitchen / throw out or donate.

Set Up a Temporary Kitchen

• Try to establish a temporary kitchen near a source of water and close to electrical outlets. If possible, this location should be far from the construction in a low-traffic area.
• Ask your contractor to move your existing refrigerator to an area outside of the kitchen construction zone so you can use it during the remodel.
• Set up temporary countertops and drawers: a folding table and plastic storage bins work perfectly!
• Small appliances will be a lifesaver during your kitchen remodel, some of these may include: a coffee maker, toaster oven, air fryer, slow cooker/instant pot, and portable electric grill.
• Stock a minimal supply of dining and cooking supplies – allot each family member two plates, bowls, cups, drinking glasses, and sets of utensils. That way, doing the dishes becomes a necessity after a meal or two and the chore is never too daunting.
• Keep out these useful kitchen items: microwave-safe dishes to store, reheat, and serve, measuring cups, a good knife, can opener, paper towels, zip lock baggies and saran wrap/aluminum foil, cutting board, serving spoon, wine opener/bottle opener, pet bowls, a large tray for carrying prepared food to where it will be served.
• Purchase disposable plates and utensils (bonus points for ones that are biodegradable and made from sustainable materials).
• Stock up on bottled water or use a pitcher with a water filter that you can keep in your refrigerator.

Meal Preparation Tips

• Make meals ahead of time and freeze them – pop them into the microwave during the remodel to heat up. Casseroles are one of our favorites!
• Make meals that include food that is nourishing and easy to prepare such as sandwiches, cereal, toast, fruit, yogurt, and salads.
• Become an expert in using the slow cooker or pressure cooker (use a plastic liner for zero clean-up).
• Enjoy eating out at the local restaurants in your community or dining in with takeout.
• If your remodel is in the spring, summer, or fall – enjoy the outdoors and grill your meals. If you’ve ever wanted to improve your grilling skills, this is your big opportunity. Keep the tools you’ll need out of the packed boxes and the accompanying condiments in your temporary kitchen.

Planning Alternate Spaces

• Set up a table where you and your family can eat together.
• Have a dishwashing strategy – bathroom sink/tub or laundry room utility sink. Keep soap/sponges/brushes/dish towels out of the packed-up kitchen boxes so you can use them during your remodel. Also, if you don’t already have a dish drying rack, this is a good time to purchase one.
• Keep a designated “nice space” just for you and your family away from the construction. It will be your haven during the times when you just need to get away.

Embrace the Experience – It’s Only Temporary (We Promise)

• Lean back, you’ve done the hard work of planning and designing your kitchen – now it’s up to your contractor to build it.
• Give up some control – while it might seem counterintuitive, it’s better to let some things be. Things are going to be out of order, schedules are going to change, daily routines will be interrupted, and the unexpected will happen. Embrace what is out of your control and allow the remodeling process to be guided by your contractor.
• Be kind to yourself and each other – the kitchen is the heart of the home, so it stands to reason that a home without a kitchen can be a tense place. Also to that tension add strangers in your home, loud noises, unusual smells, dust and debris, and interruptions in privacy, power, and water. You can see that inevitably, at some point in the remodeling process, emotions could run high. Whatever you do, don’t forget that remodeling is temporary – but family is forever.
• Enjoy the experience! You’ve spent a lot of time (possibly years) dreaming about a new kitchen and the time is finally here. Approach the construction knowing that it will only last for a certain amount of time and in the end, you are going to have a beautiful brand-new kitchen. 
• Focus on the results and don’t get too caught up in the process. Have confidence in the choices you’ve made, including design concept, finishes, and contractor to be your partner in this process. It’s time to sit back and watch your dream kitchen come to life.

KITCHEN REMODELS

Our team at Slate Design & Remodel knows the kitchen is the heart of a home. We specialize in creating inviting atmospheres for your family and friends with a custom kitchen remodel. You can view our latest kitchen projects or call us today to discuss your remodeling project.