Here’s the scoop: if you don’t want to know what really happens during a complete kitchen renovation, stop reading.
But… if you want some helpful advice on how to prepare for a remodeling project and what to expect while your kitchen is gutted and totally remade, then keep reading.
You know those beautiful pictures of Italian luxury designer kitchens you see on home decorating websites? Well, those images neglect to show what happens before and during the process, such as having contractors banging, sawing and hammering in your kitchen for several weeks while they fill the air with dust and particulates. Before the renovations start, take everything off the walls in your kitchen and cover anything that needs to remain in rooms close to the kitchen with old sheets or blankets. If you are keeping your old light fixtures, you might want to wrap them using plastic garbage bags to prevent dust accumulations.
Of course, you will need to make other dining arrangements so it might be beneficial to scope out local restaurants. You can move the microwave into another room to make quick snacks and purchase one of those mini-refrigerators to keep a few cold items handy. The best option to consider while your high-end kitchen is being renovated is to take that vacation you and your family have been talking about for the past six months. If nothing else, staying at a Holiday Inn for a week and enjoying room service, swimming pools and exercise rooms beats remaining in the home where the sight of your temporarily wrecked kitchen makes you feel a bit anxious.
Don’t hold any expectations about the process being streamlined and stress-free. Problems are bound to arise during such an extreme makeover as a kitchen renovation. The majority of delays are simply beyond the control of your contractors and the home remodeling company with which you have chosen to use. Materials that are slow to be shipped, structural issues with the kitchen’s dimensions, something electrical or plumbing related that needs to be upgraded to comply with codes or even unexpected changes in the number of workers that are available to the contractor are just a few setbacks that could extend the time it takes to complete the project. However, just keep in mind that it will get done and you will have your beautiful, showcase kitchen to enjoy for many years to come.
If you live in areas that experience definite seasonal changes in the weather, try to avoid renovating your kitchen in the winter. Warmer weather means you can grill outside, take picnics, go to the beach and just have a better experience while your kitchen gets its much-needed makeover. Summer kitchen remodeling projects also avoid the extra expense of heating bills that may increase due to contractors repeatedly entering and leaving your home. With cabinets, appliances, flooring and other items to bring in and install, your front and possibly back door will be opening and closing quite a bit.
Be aware that professional remodeling companies will work with you every step of the way during the kitchen remodeling process to make the experience as easy and problem-free as possible, which makes choosing one that has an established reputation in the field of remodeling a vital aspect of the renovation event.