1. Ask questions – The saying from grammar school, “The only stupid question is the question you don’t ask,” still applies. A happy homeowner is an informed one.

2. Resist changing your mind – Once construction time is near or has begun, changes in materials or layout can be costly and time consuming. Discuss any late ideas you have with your designer to weigh cost and time concerns with the potential benefits.

3. Accept the dust – While we do take precautions to reduce the spread of dust in your home, there is always some that manages to settle in other rooms. Protect valuables, drape sheets on your upholstery, and cover your hanging clothes. Treat yourself and your home to a thorough cleaning by a service once all of the work is completed.

Preparing meals while your kitchen is under construction is a great deal like camping: your options are limited, everything takes longer, and cleanup is not convenient. Try these tips to make the best of it.

4. Set up a temporary kitchen with the essentials. Small appliances might include a microwave, toaster oven, coffee machine, and an electric tea kettle. Make sure you operate these appliances on a surface not likely to be affected by heat or moisture. Have your refrigerator set up in the garage or some other non-construction space. If you grill, stock up on gas or charcoal. When you pack up your kitchen, keep some basic items handy: large bowls, platters, cutting board, grilling tools, large spoons, etc. Plan on using one place setting per person (plate, bowl, cup, fork, spoon, and knife) to be cleaned immediately after meals. A garbage can with a lid is a must.

5. Think of easy meals and snacks to have on hand. Consider not only ease of preparation and cooking, but also ease of clean-up when planning meals.

6. Set up a cleanup area. This could be a nearby bar sink, laundry room sink, bathroom sink, or tub. Worst case might be a wash tub and hose on the driveway. Include everything you need: a couple of wash tubs, scrub brush, dish soap, towels. Dirty dishes go in one tub to get cleaned and set in the second tub to dry, ready for use at the next meal.

7. Take out, delivery, and dine out – as your wallet will allow.

8. Visit with family and friends as often as they will have you. Then celebrate the completion of your kitchen project by inviting everyone over!

Perhaps the most critical step in surviving a major kitchen remodel is hiring the right professional from the start.

As a full service kitchen remodeler, Cabinets Plus will manage your project from the planning phase to the final punch list. Our kitchen design specialists will help you coordinate materials and finishes from floor to ceiling, as well as design a functional and beautiful layout. As we prepare for installation, all of your materials are received and inspected in our warehouse. Appliance delivery is coordinated with your appliance supplier for the date they are needed. When we start work, you will have a printed schedule showing the work to be done every day. The Cabinets Plus approach minimizes the time your household is living in a construction zone by planning the details as thoroughly as possible.

Visit our showroomto speak with a designer about your kitchen remodel.