We get asked often, “should we stay, or should we go?” during a remodel. The answer is it depends. Not all of our clients move out (although on significant remodels and additions it is highly recommended). What about a smaller remodel like your kitchen? Should you stay or should you go? Here are some tips from our team.
Even though it is best to move out when your home is being disrupted (and in turn your daily life) sometimes that is not viable. Here is what to expect if you have to live in your house through a remodel and how to prepare for it.
Being Aware of What’s Going to Happen
It’s going to be messy and noisy. For about a week, you’re going to walk into a gutted kitchen expecting to turn on the coffee maker and then realize that you are in a construction zone.
There will be times you won’t be able to fix anything else for breakfast, you may get addicted to Pop-Tarts. This would be a good time to get out of the house — find some good classes, coffee house, or head to the park.
Making Preparations and Getting Organized
Here are some simple things you can do before demolition begins:
- pack up the kitchen properly.
- Think about whether some sort of refrigeration will be possible. Perhaps there’s an old fridge in the garage or a mini-fridge elsewhere in the house. Just be sure it is outside of the kitchen remodel area.
- Plan on takeout food and restaurant expenses Good time to try out all those restaurants you heard of but never had time.
Set Up a Makeshift Kitchenette
If possible, set up a mini kitchen in another room (Garage, mini bar, butler’s pantry). Think about what equipment might come in handy for throwing together meals. Suggestions include:
- Coffee maker
- Instapot / Slow cooker
- Electric teakettle
- Toaster or toaster oven
- Portable electric grill
- Electric frying pan (if you have a place to clean it)
- Minifridge
Communicate, Communicate and Communicate!
Be sure to communicate with your contractor. Get an updated schedule and be sure they are updating it in case anything is delayed so you are always anticipating what is next and when you can move back into your newly renovated kitchen.
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