Kitchen Remodeling 8: Installation

Prepare for installation!

Every kitchen installation will involve some sort of interruption to your daily living. It wouldn’t be much of a remodel if nothing changed, right?

The best way to deal with the interruption is to prepare. Some remodeling and refacing companies will have your kitchen cleaned up for moderate use every night. This depends on both the company and the work you are having done. Find a small area in your home to re-purpose as your “kitchen nook” for the duration. Set it up and use it for at least one day before you need it. That way, you can discover and grab everything you forgot before your kitchen is covered with dust shields.
If you need to empty your cabinets, for replacing or interior refacing, that actually presents its own opportunities. There’s no better time than during a kitchen renovation to finally organize what you’ve been storing.

• Take the time while you pack up your kitchen’s contents to toss out anything expired. Set aside and give away any pans, utensils or non-perishable foods that you just haven’t been using. No need to fill a new kitchen with the old clutter. Only keep what you need, use and love!
• Imagine complementing your upgraded kitchen cabinets and organizers with organized contents! Our Pinterest board on kitchen organization can help you get the most out of your cabinets, cupboards and pantry.

The amount of time and degree of preparedness you need will depend upon the degree of remodeling you are having done. A simple no-frills cabinet refacing can take as little as three days. Tearing out a wall, replacing cabinets and moving utilities can all add weeks. Ask your remodeling professional how long to expect to be without your kitchen as well as what unforeseen events might prolong the process.

Try to get your input and concerns voiced before work on remodeling your kitchen starts. While you should always feel welcome to talk to your installers, remember that they are craftsmen and like to have their full concentration on their craft. The better their focus, the better your product. Kids and pets are a significant distraction because they could hurt themselves amongst the tools and protective plastic sheeting. Can’t blame them for being curious, getting a new kitchen is pretty exciting! Consider how they can sate their curiosity in a safe way.

Before you know it, your new kitchen will be complete!

You’ve seen the Before, you’ve made it through the During, are you ready for the AFTER?!