Kitchen Remodeling Projects
Kitchen Remodeling • Living Through a Kitchen Remodel
No matter how well it goes, remodeling a kitchen is a challenging,
disruptive process. While it will probably take longer and cost more
than you expected, the key to a smooth kitchen remodel can be summed up in
one word: preparation. You need to plan your new kitchen
design, set a budget, choose a contractor, and figure out how to survive
the weeks or months your kitchen is out of service. If you register
at SuperKitchens.com, you will have access to a free project planner
you can use to track and guide the process of your remodeling. Also
look at Kitchens.com for extensive
information about designing, planning, and budgeting your kitchen
remodel. Unless you are an experienced do-it-yourselfer, you will
want to hire a remodeling contractor.
Before any workers set foot in your home, there are several steps you can
take to prepare your household for the kitchen remodeling project.
If you have a separate freezer, perhaps in the garage, you can prepare
some meals ahead of time to eat during the remodel. Then, pack up
everything in your kitchen into boxes as though you were moving. In
the rooms near the kitchen, remove all pictures and fragile items that
could fall or get damaged. Finally, minimize dust and noise by
taping plastic over the doorways and openings to the rest of the house.
You will get tired of take-out food, so set up a temporary kitchen somewhere, preferably near a bathroom or laundry room so you have access to a sink. A dorm refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker will let you prepare at least some basic meals. Of course, you will also want to use your outside grill during nice weather. You can find over 500 recipes for cooking on your grill at AllRecipes.com.
Once the construction starts, children and pets need to stay out of the project area. Not only can they get hurt, but they can also get in the workers' way and slow things down. In fact, planning lots of activities outside the house for yourself and at-home children during the day will keep everyone happy.
Finally, stick with your plan, making as few changes as possible. Changes cost more and usually cause delays.
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