Managing Your Kitchen Remodel | Kitchen Remodeling Management

Managing Your Kitchen Remodel | Kitchen Remodeling Management

Preparation Prior to Construction

Before construction begins, you should prepare for the disruption in your life as much as possible. We will list out 10 steps below to help you in this transition.

Tear-out Phase Preparation Tips

1. Plan and prepare a location for the storage of old cabinets and countertops. If you are planning to reinstall these pieces, you should ensure that the storage location is a dry and safe environment. If you store them outdoors, make sure to cover them with a heavy tarp and place them on a surface that will avoid damage from bad weather and water damage.

2. Purchase cardboard boxes to store pots, pans, utensils, and dishes. You can use old newspapers or tissue paper to separate these items and prevent any damage.

3. Store similar items in similar locations. By placing pots and pans in one box, and dishes in another, you will make unpacking an easier task.

4. When packing up your kitchen space, place a large plastic or rubber garbage can in the middle of the room. You can use this to discard any unwanted items, and it can be used for portions of the tear-out.

5. Once you have packed up the items of your kitchen, place them in a nearby room to make the reinstallation easier.

6. Write the contents of each box on its exterior, along with a post-it note. When you are moving the items back into the kitchen, place the post-it note on the cabinet or drawer where the items should be placed. This will make the move easier for yourself, your family, and any friends that may be helping.

7. Any furniture in your kitchen should be moved into another room and inverted to save space in the other parts of your home. You should cover the surfaces of these tables and chairs to prevent dust collection or any damage.

8. You should clean the kitchen and surrounding areas on a regular basis. This will help to prevent the overall mess and the tracking of dust to other parts of the house.

9. Cover each doorway with inexpensive twin size bed sheets. Use thumbtacks to hang the sheets over the doorways. The sheets will help to control the spread of the construction dust. If you spray the surface with water each morning and throughout the day, the sheets will attract and hold the dust.

10. Make sure that you are fully prepared before starting the tear-out. Take advantage of any additional time that you will have in the kitchen space before starting the construction. If you are purchasing new cabinetry, wait until they have been delivered before starting.

In addition to the steps listed below, you can also create a check list that will help to avoid any unforeseen problems or delays. We will list an example of this checklist below: Project Item Responsible Party Completion Date Tear out/Disposal Electrical Changes Plumbing Changes Wall/Ceiling Repair Cabinet Installation Appliance Installation Countertop Installation Sink Installation Paint/Wallpaper

You can add to this checklist, depending on the needs of your project.

Preparation During Construction

You will need to plan for life during construction. There will be several complications that you will face when trying to prepare meals including limited access to the refrigerator, sink, and appliances. There are a few steps listed below to help you with meal preparation during the construction phase:

1. Take time to plan out the meals that you can prepare during construction. Find recipes that can be made on outdoor grills, in the microwave, or in a crock-pot.

2. If your microwave is not an installed model, move it into another room where you can have regular access to it.

3. Freeze meals ahead of the construction phase that can be easily defrosted and heated in the microwave.

4. Purchase paper plates, plastic cups, and other utensils, as you will not have access to a dishwasher.

5. Store cool water and other drinks in a cooler if you have limited access to the refrigerator.

Preparation for Your New Kitchen

Once the kitchen is finished, you should take the time to properly clean each surface before moving back in. Here are a few suggestions for the post-construction phase of your remodel:

1. Use a damp cloth to clean the surfaces of sinks and appliances. Follow this with a dry, lint free cloth.

2. Check the manufacturers’ instructions regarding the use of cleaning products for you new cabinet surfaces. Clean the interiors and exteriors of your drawers and cabinets with a dry cloth and any usable cleaning products.

3. Also check the manufacturers’ instructions regarding the use of shelf liners. Some surfaces could be damaged through the use of adhesive products.

4. Clean the floors with a damp mop to remove any additional dust.

While remodeling your kitchen can be a disruptive and sometimes frustrating process. With proper planning and preparation you can make this process easier, and before you know it, you will be left with a clean and beautiful new kitchen.