Surviving a Kitchen Remodel: Part 2

            Last week we discussed setting expectations when beginning a kitchen remodel. This week we will focus on a more practical side- how you are going to eat. Setting up a temporary kitchen is important. The idea of eating out for every meal may sound glamorous now, but it will get old quickly. Here are a few tips:

 

         Keep essential items in a convenient location. Paper plates, cups, napkins and plastic utensils; cereal; paper towels; garbage bags; coffee; dishcloths; soap; microwaveable meals. Everything else can be packed away but you will need these items in a handy location.

 

• Plan to wash dirty dishes in another sink or bathtub. Or better yet, use all disposable dishes and utensils.
• Move your old refrigerator out of the kitchen remodel space or get a mini-fridge. Position this near a water source. Add a table with a microwave, toaster oven and trash can and you are set up.
• Wherever you set up your temporary kitchen, probably was not wired for multiple appliances to be used at the same time. You may blow a fuse a time or two before you figure out which appliances can be used at the same time.

             Over the next couple of weeks, we will explore the different aspects of a kitchen remodel and what you can do to keep it from being a stressful situation.

Surviving a Kitchen Remodel: Part 1

            Let’s face it. Kitchen remodels can be stressful. Regardless of how much planning or positive thinking you employ, it is bound to be a difficult time. Now don’t get me wrong. I am all for expecting the best and anticipating everything will go smoothly. But having helped remodel over 800 kitchens over the course of my career, I know that that doesn’t always happen. Tempers can flare and overwhelming stress reveals itself in your relationships with your spouse, kids and pets.

 

            The best way to enter a kitchen remodeling project is to properly manage your expectations. You can expect Murphy’s Law to be in full effect. Everything that has the possibility of going wrong can go wrong, even things outside of the scope of the kitchen project. Busted gas lines aside, here are a couple of potential problems you could expect.

 

• Miscommunication
• More dust than you expected
• Products delivered late, dented or missing parts
• The wrong items delivered
• Termites in the walls or floors
• Mold or moisture in the walls or floor
• Structural problems that need to be repaired
• Asbestos or lead paint removal

 

            You can avoid some of these items by asking as many questions and clarifying issues as they come up. Remind yourself that arguments with your family members are most likely stress related and not personal. Sometimes there is no real issue, it is simply an occasion when everyone is testy and the circumstances cannot really be changed. Steer away from an emotional decision. Focus on your priorities, timeline, best use of space and reasons for your design preference. Have kids? Engage them in the process and help them look at the remodel as an adventure instead of a disruption.

Holiday Projects? Plan Now!

            I know school just started, fall is on its way, football season is soon to be in full swing and, yes, it is time to start thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas. Only sixteen weeks left till Christmas. Yes, I really did just say that. It may seem like a long time away, but we all know that it will be here before we know it and probably before we are ready.

 

            Do you want a new kitchen or bathroom before Thanksgiving? Maybe you can’t redo the entire room but want to make some small changes. Or maybe you just want to finally get the dining room repainted or new carpet in your bedroom. Now is the time to start thinking about it and making plans. If you begin now, you will have plenty of time to get your project done before Thanksgiving hits and then you can enjoy your new space all throughout the Christmas season.

 

Some people have said to me “But it doesn’t take that long!” Well, let’s look at that.

                                    -Tile: 4-6 weeks

                                    -Cabinets: 4-6 weeks

                                    -Wood Flooring: 4 weeks

                                    -Granite: 1-2 weeks

                                    -Painting: 2-3 weeks

                                    -Appliances: 2-4 weeks

Yes, if you choose an in stock item, the lead time might be less than that, but better to prepare for the worst and the best happen then vice versa. Make sure you clearly communicate your deadline to the contractors you work with to ensure an on-time project. That way there will be no surprises and everyone is on the same page.

 

We all know that the holidays can be a stressful time. Endeavor to enjoy this season and all of its wonderful food, people and events by planning ahead. You can thank me later.