Navigating The Process, Step-By-Step
You're excited because you've decided to remodel your kitchen. How will you navigate the reality of not having a useable kitchen for an extended period of time during the construction phase of your project? It will be inconvenient, but with proper planning your household does not have to be in complete chaos. Here's how to prepare for a kitchen remodel, step by step.
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1. Get Everything In Writing
Find a homebuilder who will be your partner and trusted advisor throughout the planning, design, and construction phases of your project. Read our article 8 Steps To Finding The Right Homebuilder For You to get some practical advice and helpful information on this topic.
Once you have selected a homebuilder, have an in-depth discussion about your kitchen remodel. Convey the objectives you have for your project in terms of functionality and aesthetics. Be very clear about your budget and create a prioritized wish-list of items in case financial constraints will not allow you to do everything at once. Ask how long your project will take from start to finish so that you can be prepared for the impact construction will have on your daily life. Your homebuilder should then document and formalize the full scope of your project in a written Design and Specifications Agreement.
The Home Remodeling Process Step-By-Step
2. Design Your New Kitchen With A Professional
Some homebuilders provide design services, and others will suggest that you work with a professional kitchen designer. Either way, you should expect to be very involved during the design phase of your project so that the layout and look of your new kitchen will seamlessly blend with the rest of your home and will work for your lifestyle.
Stick to your budget as your kitchen design evolves so that your final plans will fit within your set parameters. And be aware that making changes to your plans after construction has begun can be very costly and will impact your project timeline.
3. Select And Order Items In Advance
Once your kitchen design is finalized, start choosing appliances, cabinets, tile, plumbing fixtures, lighting fixtures, countertops, and flooring. By selecting all finishes and materials early in the design process, you can be sure to stay within your budget. To avoid construction delays, your homebuilder should order all the items for your remodeling project in advance. That way, you will have time to make adjustments if some items are backordered or no longer available from the manufacturer.
At this point, your homebuilder should provide you with detailed plans, specifications, estimated pricing, and a finalized timeline. Your homebuilder should also tell you when construction will start and stop each day, and if work will be done on weekends. Having this information up-front will help to ensure that you won't be surprised when workers show up at your home. In the event that issues do arise, make sure you know who the project supervisor will be, and have his or her contact information.
4. Designate A Temporary Kitchen Space
Before construction begins, designate an area in your home or garage to be your temporary kitchen. Make sure it is away from the construction zone and is somewhat private, so you can comfortably eat breakfast in your pajamas. Eating out will get expensive and tiresome, so you will need the basics to prepare and eat your meals at home: a small table, some chairs, a microwave, a toaster, a coffee maker, and maybe a hot plate. Before you get rid of the refrigerator in your old kitchen, move it into your temporary space or get a mini-fridge. Use biodegradable or recyclable plates, utensils, and cups for a few weeks so you don't wind up washing dishes in a bathroom sink.
5. Purge What You Do Not Use
Remember, whatever you box up before your remodel, you will need to unpack in your new kitchen. It's time to purge. Empty each cabinet in your kitchen, one-by-one. Take a look at the contents and if you don't need or use a particular gadget, small appliance, pot or pan, get rid of it. You can donate any items that you no longer need to a charity near you, or even sell them online.
6. Pack Up The Rest
Move only what you truly need into your temporary kitchen and box up the rest. Use bubble wrap to protect fragile items. Don't forget to take down your artwork, pictures, or other wall hangings and pack them up, too. Be organized while packing and carefully label each box so that unpacking is easy. Store the boxes in a safe place that is away from the construction area.
7. Plan Your Meals
Plan your future meals around the small appliances that you will have at your disposal in your temporary kitchen. Make some meals in advance and freeze them in microwavable cookware. Keep a convenient stash of non-perishable snacks for your family to grab in between meals. Don't forget to keep storage bags nearby to keep uneaten food fresh.
8. Use The Outdoors
Weather permitting, use your outdoor grill as much as you can. A grill can be a good substitute for an oven during a remodel, and it limits the amount of cooking mess you will make in your temporary kitchen.
9. Try Reciprocity
Make a deal with your friends! You can eat a meal at their home while your remodeling project is underway, and then you can treat them to a delicious meal made in your new kitchen once construction is finished.
10. Enjoy Your New Kitchen
Navigating a kitchen remodel can be tricky, but with advanced planning, you can minimize the disruption. Keep in mind, when it is all over, you will have the brand-new kitchen of your dreams for years to come!
At Meridian Homes, we specialize in luxury renovations and custom home building in the Washington, DC area. Our mission is to create exceptional residences that exceed expectations. Our highly personalized design process and careful management of every project have earned us a reputation over many years for outstanding client service and solid, beautiful craftsmanship. Contact us today to begin your custom home or remodeling project.
