How to survive a kitchen renovation
Once you’ve decided to undertake a kitchen renovation, you’ll probably feel both excited and a little overwhelmed. After all, most of us don’t have spare kitchens to use while the main one is under construction, so you’ll need to figure out how to function for the duration. We have some tips that will help you create a plan to survive your kitchen reno!
Our time-tested tips
1) Once you sign on the dotted line with your interior designer and contractors, map out a timeline with them. This will help you to take a macro view of the process and figure out how to work around it. Ask questions, and make sure that they are in contact with each other. This will help your renovation move much more smoothly. It’s so important to us that our clients feel well-prepared, so please don’t hesitate to double check timelines or ask for advice. We also prioritize open communication with your GC to ensure that we’re on the same page. We’re here for you!
2) Look at what you have and figure out how to reduce it ahead of time. Take an inventory of your fridge, freezer, and pantry, and plan meals to use what you can before the first day of construction. This is a great time to make a list of what you’ll absolutely need to have on hand while the kitchen is in progress, especially if you have kids. You also want to start packing up dishes, glasses, flatware, and other kitchen items to store. You won’t be hosting any dinner parties during construction, so try to pare down to what you need to keep out. This will feel much more manageable.
3) Relocate appliances when possible. We don’t mean “move your range to the living room,” but do consider where you can keep a toaster oven, microwave, and small fridge in the interim. Sometimes our clients have a second fridge for entertaining or a chest freezer, and those are lifesavers! An electric kettle boils water quickly and stores easily. Of course, a coffeemaker is a must for us. Setting up a small kitchenette area will help you feel less out of sorts. Our kitchen redesign clients have used dining rooms, laundry rooms, and family rooms as temp kitchens! Even the garage will do in a pinch.
4) With that in mind, opt for meals and snacks that are easily stored and made. Instant oatmeal or smoothies for breakfast are easy, and fruit like apples, bananas, pears, and oranges don’t need refrigeration. Add some chia or flax seeds for protein. Wraps and sandwiches for lunch are easy, especially if you work from home. Freezer or crockpot meals for dinner are a budget saver, but with so many local restaurants moving to takeout due to covid, grabbing takeaway a couple times a week is easier than ever. If you won’t have a place to wash dishes (laundry and utility sinks will work), disposable or compostable dishes and flatware are a great short-term solution. It’s a good idea to set up a temporary pantry so that everything is in one place. Pinterest has some great ideas for meal planning and organization!
5)You know that saying,”timing is everything”? If you can schedule a kitchen reno over the summer, you’ll give yourself the option to use your grill for meals (and you can grill just about anything). Plan a vacation to coincide with at least one week and you’ll be able to get away from the whole thing! Another option is finding a local AirBnB for a change of scenery and some peace and quiet.
6) Remember that living in a construction zone will mean a mess, even with the most conscientious contractors. Dust and foot traffic are inevitable, so we recommend temporarily moving any delicate or fragile items. This includes furniture in adjacent rooms that might be damaged. Talk to your GC ahead of time about their end of day cleanup protocol so you know what to expect. The builders and trades we work with are diligent about sweeping and vacuuming before calling it quits for the day.
7) As always, trust the process! Our goal is to deliver the kitchen of your dreams, and most importantly a beautiful, functional space that works for you. We will guide you every step of the way.
Kitchen – before
Before and after plans
Kitchen renovation in progress
Kitchen renovation – after
Want to see some of our favorite kitchen designs? Visit our portfolio for inspiration!
*This blog was previously posted January 18, 2019 and has been updated.
Completed project photography: Rebecca McAlpin for Glenna Stone Interior Design
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Glenna Stone Interior Design is an award-winning residential and commercial Philadelphia interior designer creating spaces that are a harmonious marriage of beauty, function, and lifestyle. Whether for a home, vacation retreat, or place of business, our goal is to design statement surroundings that express who you are. We encourage you to visit our website, view our work, and keep up with the latest interior design concepts on our blog.
