Use our handy checklist to ensure a smooth remodeling process:
Preparation
- Before the cabinets arrive,
choose a safe, enclosed area for your cabinets and appliances
to be delivered to. The garage is generally a good location.
- Decide in advance where you’d
like the installers to store their tools.
- Dust…there’s just no way to
avoid it! If you have a fish tank or electrical equipment in
close proximity to the workspace, make sure they are well
covered.
- Use plastic sheeting and tape
to seal off doorways into other rooms.
- Move all pictures, mirrors,
and furniture away from the walls of adjacent rooms—vibrations
from the construction could cause damage.
- Don’t forget about your pets!
If there isn’t an area in your home to keep them safely away
from construction, especially during certain phases, it may be
the perfect time to treat your pet to a vacation at the kennel
or a play date at a friend’s home.
- As a fond farewell to your old
kitchen, spend some time in it. Cook family favorites and
throw them in the freezer…you’ll thank yourself later!
Packing
Pack up the kitchen (or bathroom)
well before the remodeling beings. While it’s a great time to
“spring clean” your shelves, don’t forget to label your boxes
well. This will make the unpacking process a lot easier.
- Items that are fragile should
be marked accordingly and stored in an area away from the
construction.
- If you’re remodeling your
bathroom, pretend you’re going on a trip—keep hairdryers,
toothpaste, and face wash accessible.
Keep Eating
- In the weeks before the work
begins, keep a list of all the restaurants you’ve been meaning
to try. When the microwave gets old, your list will come in
handy for a quick escape!
- Plan a location outside of the
remodeling area to act as your temporary kitchen. Make sure
that it includes:
- A refrigerator. Small,
dorm-type units often work best and often have freezer
spaces for storing frozen dinners.
- The microwave. Don’t forget
to stock up on microwave-safe dishes and microwaveable
meals.
o A “kitchen sink.” Consider where your water source will be
in relation to your temporary kitchen. Stock up on bottled
water. You may need to wash dishes in the bathtub—make sure
you keep cleaning supplies, trash bags, and dishtowels
handy.
- The coffee maker. Keep
filters and coffee close at hand.
- Utility utensils. Don’t pack
away everyday items like can openers, sharp knives, and
bottle openers.
- A dining area. Set up a
table for eating and food preparation, preferably near your
microwave and fridge.
- The essentials. Tell your
kids you’re picnicking…use paper plates, napkins, and
disposable silverware. Ordinary items like condiments,
cereal, and salt and pepper should be easily accessible.
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