15 Tips For Preparing For A Kitchen Remodel: Part 2
Throughout my years of working on kitchen projects with clients, I have found a few things to be helpful in helping them prepare for the actual work to begin in their house. Last time we covered the first 9 and this week we will finish up the list. If you missed the first part of this series, scroll back on the blog.
10. Temporary. Designate a kitchen stand-in. Eating out all the time gets tiresome, not to mention the strain it can put on your budget. And no matter how much takeout you bring home, you'll still need a spot to make school lunches, pour a bowl of cereal or brew coffee. Set up a temporary kitchen somewhere that's out of the way of construction. If you're lucky enough to have a morning kitchen or a guesthouse, you can turn that into food-prep central. Or outfit a corner of the basement, garage or workroom with a few portable tables, standalone shelves, storage crates and folding chairs.
11. Plan. Plan meals around small appliances. Portable workhorses such as crockpots, microwaves, toaster ovens, electric griddles and skillets, hot plates and coffee makers can get you over the mealtime hump.
12. Grill. If the weather cooperates, put your grill to work. Here's a secret: Your grill can do almost anything your oven can. Need to roast meat or vegetables, or bake pizza? Look to the grill. You can even channel your Scout days and use it for foil-packet meals, pans of biscuits and rolls, skillet pies and cobblers and, of course, s'mores.
13. Snacks. Keep a stash of nonperishable snacks. When you're starving but can't face putting together a full meal in your makeshift digs, snacks can save your stomach. Peanut butter, crackers, dried fruit or fruit leather, canned goods, trail mix and more can make for quick meals in a pinch.
14. Leave. If you're considering a vacation or need to schedule a business trip, now might be a good time, assuming you're comfortable with the remodeling work continuing in your absence. Bonus points if you're visiting relatives — you might score a home-cooked meal or two.
15. Big Picture. Remember the big picture. In the grand scheme of home ownership, this is but a short period of inconvenience amid years of kitchen bliss. Keep the process in perspective and treat it as an adventure. When you're hard at work in your sparkling new kitchen, the temporary hassles will fade from memory.
Have you found other tips to be helpful in your projects? Do you have anything to add to this list? I would love to hear! Questions? Email me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com