If you’ve survived a kitchen remodel, you know what it takes to prepare for your kitchen remodel. If this is your first time living through a major renovation in your home, you’re going to want to take some notes on how to prepare for your kitchen remodel. It may seem like an easy enough task to get ready for a kitchen remodel – all you have to do is wait for the contractors to show up, right?

Wrong.

There are many things that need to happen before the contractors start demoing the old kitchen. Some of these things need to be completed before you sign any contracts while others should be completed before the demo begins.

How to Prepare for your Kitchen Remodel

  1. Know What You Want – It’s important to have a clear idea in your head about how you want your kitchen to look. We’ll help you design the best kitchen renovation for the space you have, you just need to know what kinds of features and amenities you’d like to include. Is a butler’s pantry mandatory? We can make it happen. Is natural light a must-have? We can make that happen, too. Before you sign any contracts your remodeler should give you an idea of timeframe, schedule and cost.
  2. Keep Changes to a Minimum – We want to make sure you get the kitchen makeover you’ve always dreamed of, that’s why it’s important to be organized going into the project. It’s costly to make changes once the project begins, it also increases the timeframe to complete the kitchen remodel. If you can help it, refrain from making change orders once construction has begun. Small changes like faucet design or light fixtures are not going to break the bank, but they could mean a delay if the products need to be ordered.
  3. Realistic Expectations – Your kitchen remodel will be everything you and your builder discussed, expectations should remain high for the outcome, however, it’s important to have realistic expectations with regard to the project itself. When doing a remodel, you can never know for sure what lies behind the walls until you get into them (if you would like to see what’s behind the wall be sure to come to one of our construction tours), especially in older homes. DIY TV shows make kitchen remodels seem like a snap and can be completed in a weekend (they can’t). Be realistic about the timeline and you’ll be much happier. Of course, if your contractor says the project should be completed within a reasonable timeframe you have every right to expect that to be the case.
  4. Permitting – As the builder, we take care of all the permits and make sure all of the work is up to code. If you are considering a contractor who asks you to pull the permit, you should find another contractor.
  5. Clear Out the Old Kitchen – Before work can begin you’ll need to clear out your old kitchen. You’re also going to need to create a makeshift kitchen while the renovation is in progress. A garage area works nicely as does a spare room or study. Get rid of any canned goods or non perishable food items that are expired. Donate what you won’t use. Use a toaster oven, microwave and mini fridge if you have it, in your makeshift kitchen. Don’t forget the coffeemaker! Paper plates and disposable utensils make clean up easy. If you can plan your kitchen renovation during a family vacation that would be ideal, but most renovations take longer than the average family can take time off so you’ll probably spend some time in the construction zone.

There’s a lot to do and think about before and during a kitchen remodel. No matter how well the process goes, it is a disruption to your regular way of life. Try to see the humor in the process, it will make it less stressful for everyone involved and when completed you’ll have a fabulous new kitchen!