Imagining a new, beautiful kitchen is what drives you to renovate the space.  Living through a kitchen renovation is what can drive you crazy . . . unless you’re prepared.

Understand the Installation Process and Schedule

The remodeling firm should provide a detailed schedule before work begins.  This allows you to track progress and anticipate what will happen in the coming weeks.  Some construction days will be easier on your lifestyle – and ears – than others.  Knowing the schedule and speaking daily with the installation team can definitely help you plan whether to be in the home, or make an impromptu visit with family or friends.

Empty Your Kitchen With a Plan

As you prepare to move items from your cabinets and store them in boxes, think about the things you’ll want and need to prepare food during the weeks when you won’t have a kitchen.  You can probably do without the saffron and most of the spice bottles, but keep the salt and pepper in a separate storage container, as you will need these.  Similarly, pack away the crepe machine and waffle maker, but put the hot pot and toaster oven on the workbench in the garage, or where ever your temporary kitchen will be.

Indeed, feeding yourself and your family during a renovation is often the most challenging aspect of a kitchen remodel.  Here are some helpful resources to get you through the process.

Apartment Therapy, How To Survive a Renovation Without Going Hungry
HGTV, Surviving Without a Kitchen During Your Remodel
Kitchens.com, Surviving a Remodel

Minimizing Dust and Dirt

Most professional remodelers will do their best to keep the dirt and dust contained during the weeks of remodeling.  If your kitchen area is open to another room, plastic will be hung in the doorway, or across the ceiling to keep the dust contained.  Carpets and flooring will be protected by craft paper, runners or boards. And the crew should clean their work area each evening prior to their departure.

No matter how careful the protection, dust is going to infiltrate other spaces, especially during drywall work.  To minimize the problem, be prepared to cover furniture in other rooms with cheap plastic painting drop cloths when dust is at its heaviest.  The cheap, thin drop cloths are actually best for this because they tend to be electrostatic and actually attract dust.  When the day is done, it’s a breeze to collect them and toss them in the trash, dust and all!

Prepare Yourself to be Inconvenienced

If you love This Old House, then you’ve no doubt seen how difficult it can be to live through a renovation.  The more you prepare yourself to be inconvenienced, the less of a burden the kitchen renovation will be on your household.