Few home improvements enhance the quality of life in your Long Island home like an artfully executed kitchen remodeling project. In just a few weeks, an expert kitchen contractor can turn an inefficient or uninspired room into a showcase of style and functionality. Although there’s no way to avoid some disruption to your life during the transformation, these eight helpful tips can help cope with the chaos and commotion.
1. Get a Set Work Schedule from Your Contractor
Work schedules list all the jobs that will be performed during your kitchen remodeling project in the order that they’ll be accomplished. Any non-work days should be noted on the schedule. The timeline lets you know in advance when parts of your home may be out of commission so that you can make adjustments to your family’s schedule accordingly.
2. Create a Makeshift Kitchen
You’ll still want to enjoy hot meals and cold beverages while your Long Island kitchen is out of working order, so it’s a good idea to set up a makeshift kitchen in another area of your home during the project. Move your refrigerator, microwave oven and coffee maker to a spot away from the dust and debris. Disposable plates, cups and cutlery make clean-up chores easier.
3. Prepare Meals Ahead of Time
Instead of relying on fast food and take-out to feed your family during the remodeling process, you can cook meals ahead of time and store them in a freezer in your garage or utility room. Use a microwave, crock pot or electric burner to reheat them. When things get messy, noisy or disorderly, your family will appreciate the comfort of a home-cooked meal.
4. Store Your Valuables in a Safe Place
Storing valuables like fine furnishings, artwork and antiques and fragile items elsewhere while your kitchen is being renovated offers you peace of mind. Although experienced kitchen contractors take extra pains to protect your Long Island home while they work, accidents can happen. If you have any special concerns, such as protecting molding in a hallway, let your contractor know.
5. Protect Your Living Areas from Dust
Your kitchen contractor will cover affected floors for protection and hang plastic tarps in doorways, but some dust is bound to drift into other living areas. Keep doors and closets closed, cover upholstery with old sheets, roll up area rugs and move them out of the way. To prevent permanent damage, electronic equipment like televisions and computers should be removed and stored in a dust-free space.
6. Consider Safety Issues with Children and Pets
Keeping small children and pets away from the kitchen during renovation can be challenging, so you may need to take extra steps to ensure their safety. Install child safety gates to keep little ones out of danger. Pets can become agitated during a construction project even when they’re not at risk for injury. Consider asking a friend or family member to take care of your pets until the project is done.
7. Notify the Neighbors
The last thing that you want is for your kitchen renovation to create ill will between you and your neighbors. Armed with a basket of muffins or a plate of cookies, make a personal visit to let them know. Thank them in advance for putting up with any inconvenience, and invite them over for a meal to view the results when the project is completed.
8. Take a Break
Even a well-planned kitchen renovation can rattle your nerves from time to time, so don’t forget to plan ahead for stress-reducing activities. Whether it’s an afternoon of pampering at a luxury spa, an overnight stay at a bed-and-breakfast or just a stroll through a neighborhood park, taking a break now and then will help you keep your composure. Any feelings of stress will vanish into thin air when your beautiful new kitchen is ready to enjoy.
