Preparing For Your Kitchen Remodeling Project

Design-Build Professionals Love Educated Homeowners

Defining your wants, needs, and expectations when planning and executing a kitchen remodeling project can make the entire process more efficient!

A kitchen remodeling project can be a challenging undertaking. Depending on the scope of your project, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. From choosing a contractor to setting a budget, deciding on materials, preparing your home, and adjusting your lifestyle, there are many things to consider.

Taking the time to educate yourself and understand the process can make the entire project run more smoothly. Having a good idea of your design style, favorite materials, functional needs, and budget can help to set the course of your project. Communication with your contractor is key.

Here are the steps to take and what to expect when preparing for an upcoming kitchen remodeling project.

The First Step: Gathering Information

Before choosing a design-build contractor, gather information, magazine articles, pictures, product brochures, and web links to help define your style. Providing your contractor with as much information as possible before the formal design process begins can help you to better communicate your wants and needs.

Taking the time to explore materials, finishes, and fixtures can give you a jump on the process. This is the foundation of a successful kitchen remodeling. Gather information on everything that speaks to you, regardless of price. Take some time to visit big box stores, lighting stores, and smaller kitchen product showrooms to get a better feel for your options. Your contractor can help you choose materials that fit into your budget and may offer the same functionality and aesthetics as more expensive materials.

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Defining your wants and needs and providing as much visual information as possible to your contractor can help kick-start the design process and give them a better understanding of your personal style.

The Next Steps: Preparing Your Home

Once you’ve chosen your contractor, met with them, and provided them with all the information you’ve gathered, they will begin the design process. During this time, you will need to start preparing your home.

Pack Up Your Old Kitchen

Before you start boxing up your kitchen, take stock. This is the perfect time to get rid of old, unused utensils, chipped dishes, glassware, and broken, unused, or outdated items. Consider what appliances, décor, dishware, and pots and pans you want to keep.

Once you’ve cleared out any unnecessary items, start boxing everything up. Keep items you may need to use during your kitchen remodeling, like pots and pans, food storage, and small appliances like the microwave and toaster, close at hand. You want to have everything cleared out before demolition begins. Here are a few tips:

• Separate items you will need and store them in an accessible place

• Pack and store items you won’t need during your project

• Label and color-code boxes

• Clear out every space in the kitchen, from drawers to under the sink

• Remove everything – décor, paintings, knick-knacks, calendars, and curtains

Now is the time to consider items you might want to donate during the demo phase. Items include appliances that are being replaced, light fixtures, faucets, and cabinetry. Let your project manager know your plans so items can be saved during the demolition.

Set Up A Temporary Kitchen

You might want to plan a vacation during the most disruptive phases of your project. However, a kitchen remodel can take weeks, so you will most likely be home during most of it. You will need to set up a temporary kitchen for when you are home. You’ll need to get creative with making meals.

• Designate an area for your temporary kitchen – the garage, laundry room, an empty bedroom, or the basement are all good options.

• If possible, choose a space that has a sink. Add a garbage can and a large table for prep.

• Create an area for small appliances like your crock pot, coffee machine, and microwave.

• Have the contractor move the refrigerator into the temporary space

• To cut down on water use, use disposable cups, plates, and utensils

• Choose meals that are easy to prepare, that don’t require extensive prep

• If possible, the backyard grill is a great option

Summer in Wisconsin is grilling weather. If you have an outdoor space or patio, dining outside is a great way to reduce the stress of a kitchen remodel. Plan low-prep meals. Minimize the mess by planning simple meals, like sandwiches or salads. Make eating together fun!

When in doubt, go out! Have a list of your favorite restaurants. Now is a great time to explore your city or town.

Relocate Pets

A kitchen remodeling can be stressful on your four-legged family members, too. Think about where you’ll keep your pets safe during construction. If you keep your pet’s food and water in the kitchen, you’ll need to find a new place. During the day, there will be noise, dust, and disruption. Keeping your pets in a room far from the construction site can keep them safe.

Clear A Path

Before construction begins, move any personal items that might block contractors when they come and go. Remove valuable art, photos, and furniture. Dust is part of the remodeling process, so take measures to protect your valuable items. Cover furniture with protective plastic, or move items into the garage, basement, or into storage.

The Kitchen Remodeling Process

As you’ve been preparing your house, your design-build team has been creating a kitchen design. They will consult with you throughout the design process. Once you have approved a final design, your designer will work with you to select materials, including countertops, fixtures, lighting, and finishes.

Learn About Our Remodeling Process

Ordering and shopping for materials can take a month or more. As you prepare your home, your design-build team will be preparing for your project. After ordering your materials, the construction process begins.

Taking time to educate yourself about the products, materials, and finishes available can help speed up your project timeline. Preparing your home before construction begins can help to keep your project on time and on track, keep your valuables safe, and minimize dust and disruption. Becoming an educated homeowner can help you better communicate with your design-build team and help achieve your goal of creating your dream kitchen!

Whether considering a complete home remodel, a kitchen remodel, a bathroom update, or any other project, let us help you create a new look and design for your home! If you live in the Greater Madison area, call the experts at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel at (608) 846-5963. We can take your home to the next level of comfort, design, and function! Are you ready to learn more? We are always happy to answer your questions.