When browsing your favorite interior design magazines, websites or showrooms it can be easy to forget that in between those striking "Before-and-After" pictures was a whole lotta construction. Kitchen and bath remodeling is an exciting process - but it's also a very busy one.
We want to make sure you'll know what to expect in the time between when you contract to have the job done and when you are finally able to make the space your own again.
Planning to a Kitchen or Bath Remodel? Be prepared!
Buy Ear Plugs. If you work from home or spend quite a bit of time at home, it may be a good idea to buy ear plugs. There's no such thing as "quiet construction," so the more prepared you are for the noise, the better. This is a good time to look up the public spaces in your area that offer free Wi-Fi so you can get out and about with your laptop or gadget and get work done elsewhere. You may find a new favorite hangout.
Create Staging Areas. Depending on the room being remodeled, you'll want to create staging areas.
- Kitchens: The average kitchen takes about 4 - 6 weeks to remodel, depending on the scope of the project. Bookmark take-out menus from your favorite restaurants. Set up a "temporary kitchen" using a coffee-maker, microwave, toaster oven and small fridge elsewhere in the house so you can still heat meals and access favorite foods without having to navigate the construction zone. Think of it like luxury camping! Have a box of dishes, glasses, silverware, etc. that is out of the way so it isn't infiltrated by construction dust.
- Bathrooms. Your bathroom remodel will usually take between 3 - 5 weeks. Fortunately, most homes have more than one bathroom, so this one should be a relatively easy transition. Just move your incidentals into the "other bathroom" for a bit and before you know it, your new bathroom will be ready to go.
- Bedrooms: In most cases, bedroom renovations are complete within a few weeks. It's time to move into the guest room or visit a friend or family member. DO move your clothing out of the bedroom. While your furniture will be draped, construction dust is pervasive and can infiltrate.
Having your staging areas set up and ready to go ahead of time will eliminate the frustration of constantly navigating "The Zone" to get what you want/need.
Be Open. We recommend building a 10-15% contingency cushion into your remodeling budget so you can accommodate any change orders or extras that you may decide on along the way.
Get Excited. Yes, remodeling can be inconvenient, but it's temporary. It's fun to come home each night and see what has been done, changed, and evolved while you were away. The good news about all the dust, noise and minor interruptions is that they are part of the process that will transform your "Before" into the "After" of your dreams.
Ready to finally start on your dream kitchen and bath remodeling project? Contact Kitchens and Baths Unlimited. We make sure your living space is as inhabitable as possible from start to finish.
