Is your kitchen feeling old and tired? A kitchen makeover can bring new life to your home! But getting ready for this big job takes work. Many families find themselves stuck with no place to cook during renovations. With good planning, you can make your kitchen update go smoothly and avoid stress.
Why Kitchen Prep Matters
Getting ready for a kitchen redo is just as important as the work itself. The right steps before work starts can save you time, money, and headaches.
Common Kitchen Renovation Problems
- Missing items when you need them
- No place to cook for weeks
- Going over budget
- Projects taking too long
- Unexpected issues with pipes or wires
10 Step Guide to Prepare for Kitchen Renovation
1. Plan Your New Kitchen Design
Before any work starts, know what you want!
- Draw your dream kitchen
- Make a list of must-have items
- Pick your style and colors
- Choose what stays and what goes
Kids, have you seen how countertop ovens compare to built-in ovens? This can help you decide what works best in your new kitchen!
2. Set a Kitchen Renovation Budget
Money matters when fixing up your kitchen!
| Budget Item | Percent of Total Cost |
|---|---|
| Cabinets | 30-35% |
| Labor | 20-25% |
| Appliances | 15-20% |
| Countertops | 10-15% |
| Flooring | 5-10% |
| Lighting | 5% |
| Other | 5-10% |
Know how much things cost before you start. This keeps you from spending too much. When picking appliances, check out this guide on how to choose the right coffee maker to make smart choices.
3. Find the Right Workers
Good workers make your kitchen turn out great!
- Ask friends who they liked
- Look at online reviews
- Check at least three companies
- Make sure they have permits
- Get everything in writing
4. Create a Temporary Kitchen
You still need to eat during the work!
- Pick a spot away from the work area
- Move your fridge if you can
- Set up a table for food prep
- Use small cooking tools like:
- Microwave
- Electric skillet
- Slow cooker
- Toaster oven
Wondering about cooking options? Learn about gas vs. electric stove monthly costs to help decide what works in your temp kitchen.
5. Pack Up Your Old Kitchen
Time to box everything up!
- Start early – at least a week before work begins
- Sort items into three piles:
- Keep for temp kitchen
- Pack away
- Give away or toss
- Label all boxes clearly
- Take pictures of what’s in each box
Looking to get better organized? Check out tips for how to organize kitchen drawers efficiently that you can use in both your temp and new kitchen!
6. Protect the Rest of Your Home
Keep dust and dirt from spreading!
- Cover doorways with plastic sheets
- Tape down floor coverings
- Close vents in work areas
- Plan a path for workers to come and go
7. Plan Meals Ahead
Think about food before work starts!
- Make and freeze meals ahead of time
- Create a meal plan for the renovation weeks
- Find easy recipes that need few tools
- Know which take-out places are nearby
For easy meal ideas, check out these healthy meal prep for beginners tips and easy weeknight dinner recipes that work well during renovations.
8. Store Important Kitchen Items
Keep what you need and store the rest!
- Pick daily items you’ll need
- Put away special dishes and tools
- Use clear bins so you can see inside
- Store items in a dry, safe place
Kitchen Renovation Timeline
Plan how long each step will take:
- Planning Phase: 1-2 months
- Finding Workers: 2-4 weeks
- Ordering Materials: 4-8 weeks
- Packing Up: 1 week
- Demolition: 2-3 days
- Installation: 2-4 weeks
- Finishing Work: 1 week
Kitchen Renovation Checklist
Use this list to make sure you don’t miss anything!
- [ ] Set budget
- [ ] Choose design
- [ ] Hire workers
- [ ] Order materials
- [ ] Set up temp kitchen
- [ ] Pack kitchen items
- [ ] Protect other rooms
- [ ] Plan meals
- [ ] Turn off water and power before work starts
- [ ] Take “before” pictures
What to Buy for Your Temporary Kitchen
Having the right tools makes cooking easier while your kitchen is being fixed!
- Paper plates and cups
- Plastic utensils
- Small electric appliances
- Dish tub for washing
- Plastic storage bins
- Paper towels
If you’re choosing new cookware for your renovation, compare stainless steel vs. cast iron pans and non-stick vs. stainless steel cookware to make the best choice.
Tips from Families Who Did Kitchen Renovations
“We set up a mini-fridge and microwave in our living room. It worked great!” – The Smith Family
“Making meals ahead and freezing them saved us during our kitchen redo.” – The Johnson Family
“Get cabinet measurements right! We had to return ours and it added two weeks to our project.” – The Garcia Family
Looking for budget-friendly ideas? Check out these affordable kitchen remodel ideas that can save you money.
After the Renovation
Once your kitchen is done:
- Clean everything well
- Unpack items by zone
- Test all appliances
- Take “after” pictures
- Have a kitchen party!
Thinking about your new cooking setup? Learn about induction vs. ceramic cooktop options for your renovated space.
Conclusion
Getting ready for a kitchen renovation takes planning and work. But with these steps, you can make the process much easier! Remember to plan ahead, set up a good temp kitchen, and stay flexible when things change. Soon you’ll have the kitchen of your dreams!
Wondering how many storage spaces you’ll need? Find out how many cabinets should a kitchen have for the perfect amount of storage.
FAQs About Kitchen Renovation Prep
Q: How long does a kitchen renovation take? A: Most take 4-8 weeks, but small updates might take just 1-2 weeks.
Q: What’s the best time of year for kitchen work? A: Fall or spring when weather is mild and you can open windows.
Q: How much should I budget? A: Plan for $150-$300 per square foot, plus 20% extra for surprises.
Q: Can I live at home during the renovation? A: Yes, but it will be dusty and loud. Some families choose to stay elsewhere.
Q: What’s the first step in planning? A: Start by making a wish list and setting a budget.
Q: How do I match new cabinets to my old ones? A: Learn how to match existing kitchen cabinets for a cohesive look.
Happy renovating! With good planning, your new kitchen will be amazing!
