5 Tips for Surviving your Kitchen Construction
Any remodeling project or new construction, no matter the size, can be the best or worst experience depending on your expectations and the preparation you take. It’s important to understand that a home renovation or new construction project takes time and requires proper planning. If you’re planning to build a new kitchen from the subflooring out, you may want to keep some things in mind for the safety of your family. The fact that kitchen renovation projects tend to take twice as long to complete mean you should prepare and plan accordingly.
If you plan to live in your house during the construction, you must be prepared on how you will survive the process. Here’s how you can plan for your kitchen construction and ensure everything works out smoothly.
Schedule a Pre-Construction Meeting
The purpose of a pre-construction meeting is to ensure both you and the contractor are on the same page. Discuss the scope of work and clearly state what you expect the contractor do accomplish. Make sure you communicate clearly. If you intend to save items so you can use them in the new space, create a list and share with your contractor. Establish boundaries with the contractor to avoid misunderstandings.
If Possible, Consider a Move
A kitchen renovation can take up to eighteen weeks to complete. If possible, you can consider going on vacation or moving to temporary housing to escape the worst of the noise-demolition. However, if you can’t afford a vacation at that moment or can live with the construction you can stay. Find joy in watching your kitchen take shape.
Set up a Secondary/Temporary Kitchen
A temporary kitchen is necessary if you’re a kitchen construction from scratch. You can use the den, garage, basement, or living room. Move the coffee maker, microwave, fridge, toaster, toaster oven, and refrigerator in one of the rooms you feel comfortable using as a kitchen for the time being. You can use your bathtub to wash dishes until the construction or renovation is over. Remember to cover everything in your home to keep dust away.
Remember your Pets
Your family and pets should be found anywhere close to the construction area. The construction area should be blocked off to ensure the safety of your family and pets. You don’t want to end up in the 24-hour animal hospital or emergency room following an accident or injury. Get some custom puppy booties for your pet.
Set Aside a Work-Free Zone
The fact that it’s not feasible to move out of your home during your kitchen construction doesn’t mean you have can’t have a space that’s free from all the noise, dust, and workers-traffic. Why can’t you have a designated area or work-free zone where you and your family can isolate yourselves and just have a peaceful environment? You don’t have to stay home all day as the contractor works on your project. Staying out of your home as much as possible can help manage stress. You can plan and schedule construction at a time when you’re away from home.