5 Tips for Surviving a Kitchen Remodel

Because the kitchen is a room we generally cannot do without, many people avoid doing the work they’d like to do on their kitchens. If you’re planning a full gut job, you’re going to have to make some sacrifices and learn to live like a refugee for a little while. However, our team at Incredible Kitchens and Baths is here to help. We have tackled many full-kitchen remodels over the years, and have developed these tips to make the time you have to spend out of your kitchen a breeze.

1. Consider Your Timing

Though it may not feel like it, spring and summer are just around the corner, and are ideal times to start remodeling. Summertime is a great time to consider because you could plan a summer trip and thus not need your kitchen during that time. In addition, summer is grilling season! Put that grill to work, and you won’t even miss your stove top and oven.

2. Location

Depending on the extent of your remodel, you may not be able to use your kitchen at all. Because of this, you will need to set up a temporary kitchen somewhere else in your home. Make sure it is far away from the construction zone so you keep the dust out of your food. Also, try to pick a space near a sink. A utility sink would be ideal, but a bathroom sink is also workable.

3. Purge

Because you’ll be moving out of your kitchen temporarily, it’s a great time to throw away or donate any unnecessary items you’ve been holding onto. If you are replacing cabinets or appliances, Habitat for Humanity will pick up your old ones.

4. Menu Planning

Get organized with your meal planning weeks before you start your remodel. Find meals that you can make ahead of time, and freeze so you can easily prepare them in your temporary kitchen. As mentioned above, utilize the grill as much as possible. And finally, buy pre-chopped and pre-washed produce to cut down on preparation.

5. Final Tips

Try to stay organized in your stand-in kitchen by investing in some plastic drawers with labels. Consider which appliances you use every day, like a coffee pot or hot plate, and try to live without the rest. Finally, keep in mind that your temporary kitchen does not need to be pretty, and just embrace the functionality of it; it will all be worth it when you see your beautiful new kitchen!

Don’t let the fear of not being able to use your kitchen stop you from getting started on the remodel of your dreams. Incredible Kitchens and Baths is here to help, from beginning to end. Start by contacting our design team at (765) 437-1038 to get the ball rolling toward your full kitchen remodel.