Nervous to remodel kitchen?

Q: We have a kitchen remodel project in mind, but are nervous to commit to having such an important part of our house out of commission (we have 2 young children.) Could you offer us some insight on living through a kitchen remodel?

A: Inconvenience, messiness and disruptions can sometimes be a very real part of a remodel project. And while ACo works unbelievably hard to make the experience as stress-free as possible, some difficulties are unavoidable simply due to the nature of construction. That being said, there are a few preparations and strategies you can implement to make the remodeling process go a little more smoothly for your family.

Food preparation is likely going to be the most difficult part of your kitchen remodel. You may not have access to your refrigerator, oven or stovetop. To compensate, you might have to rely on microwaved, grilled or slow-cooked meals for a while. If your freezer can still be used, consider preparing and freezing dishes that you can eat later. Make small shopping trips so that you don’t have to worry about spoiled food. You may also want to stock up on plastic silverware, plates and cups to make cleanup easier. Additionally, the construction work may make it difficult (if not impossible) to eat in the kitchen. Use the dining room or set up a makeshift kitchenette nearby to eat and prepare meals.

Organization is key to living in the midst of a home remodeling project. All of the items currently stored in the kitchen have to go somewhere else during construction. It’s a good idea to pack these items in clearly labeled boxes and store them in an easy to access place. That way, you’ll be able to find the things you need quickly.

Remember, the inconveniences that inevitably come with construction are only temporary. Try to remain positive during the process. In the end, you’ll have a beautiful, updated kitchen that’s certain last so much longer than the construction phase ever could.