Easy Steps to Surviving a Kitchen Re-design

Forward Planning and Storing Supplies: One of the smartest steps to take is to plan ahead and amass a collection of non-perishable food items. This eliminates the need for frequent trips to the supermarket while your kitchen is out of commission. As the saying goes, ‘fail to prepare, prepare to fail’. So, build a stockpile of canned goods, pasta, rice, cereals, and other non-perishables that can see you through the renovation period.

Setting Up a Temporary Kitchen: The prospect of eating out every evening can lose its appeal pretty quickly, not to mention its potential strain on your wallet. Even if you opt for takeaways, you’ll still require a space to prepare breakfast, assemble packed lunches, and whip up a cup of tea. Therefore, it’s wise to establish a makeshift kitchen during your renovation. A quiet corner in your garage, utility room, or even the dining room could be turned into a functional cooking space. By setting up some tables, shelves, storage containers, and chairs, you’ll have a dedicated space to prepare food and dine.

Making Use of Portable Appliances: Portable appliances like slow cookers, microwaves, hot plates, toasters, and electric kettles can be your best allies during this period. These versatile appliances can help you prepare an assortment of meals without a fully operational kitchen. If it’s possible, consider moving your fridge to your temporary kitchen; if not, a mini fridge can be a lifesaver for keeping essentials like milk, butter, and fresh produce.

Alternative Dishwashing Solutions: Without your trusty sink and dishwasher, you’ll have to rethink dishwashing during the renovation. To simplify, consider using biodegradable plates, cups, and utensils. This approach will not only reduce the amount of washing up, but it will also limit your environmental impact. Alternatively, if you have a utility room or downstairs loo with a sink, this could become your temporary washing up station.

Maximising Your Barbecue: If the weather gods are kind, your barbecue can serve as an invaluable substitute kitchen. From roasting meat and vegetables, baking pizzas, and even preparing foil-wrapped meals, your grill can perform most tasks your oven can. Dust off those barbecue recipes and enjoy some al fresco cooking during the renovation process.

Keeping Perspective: It’s essential to remember that any upheaval caused by a kitchen renovation is temporary. This brief period of discomfort will be outweighed by the years of enjoyment you’ll get from your brand new kitchen. Endeavour to maintain a positive outlook and view the renovation as an exciting journey towards your dream kitchen.

Communication with Contractors: Regular and open communication with your contractor is key. Stay informed about the renovation’s progress and address any concerns that might arise promptly. It’s your home, after all, and you deserve to be kept in the loop.

Maintaining Cleanliness in the House: Renovations can create a lot of dust and debris, which can quickly spread to other parts of your house. Consider setting up dust barriers or using air purifiers in shared spaces to maintain a healthier environment. Regular cleaning during this period is crucial to keep your living spaces as comfortable as possible.

Exploring New Recipes: This could be the perfect time to discover new, simpler recipes or cooking methods that don’t require a full kitchen setup. From slow cooker stews to one-pot meals on a single burner, you can experiment with dishes that you might not usually prepare.

Sticking to Routines: While some disruption is inevitable, maintaining your regular routines as much as possible can help to keep a sense of normalcy. For instance, if you’re accustomed to having family meals at a certain time, make an effort to stick to that schedule. You might need to adapt the menu or change the location, but keeping these familiar routines can provide a sense of stability amidst the chaos of renovation.

Engaging Children: If you have children, managing a kitchen renovation can be particularly challenging. However, by turning the situation into an adventure, it can become a positive experience. Perhaps they can be involved in meal preparation in the temporary kitchen, or enjoy picnic-style dinners in the living room. You might even take this opportunity to teach them about the process of construction and design, transforming the renovation into a unique learning experience.

Visualising the End Result: Renovations can be stressful, and it’s easy to lose sight of why you’re putting yourself through all of this. To stay motivated, keep a visual representation of your dream kitchen nearby. Whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed, look at the image and remind yourself that the current inconvenience is temporary, but the end result will be a kitchen that you’ll enjoy for years to come.

Being Flexible and Prepared for the Unexpected: Renovations rarely go exactly according to plan, and it’s likely that unforeseen issues will arise. With a positive attitude and a bit of flexibility, you’ll be well-equipped to handle these surprises. It’s all part of the journey, and each hurdle overcome is a step closer to your dream kitchen.

Securing Valuables and Fragile Items: Renovations often cause vibrations throughout the house that could potentially damage fragile items. To avoid any accidents, ensure that pictures, mirrors, and other breakables are securely mounted or removed from the walls, especially those sharing a wall with the kitchen. Also, consider moving valuable items out of the way or covering them with dust sheets to protect them from dust and debris.

Prioritising Safety: Always remember that your home is, first and foremost, a construction site during the renovation. Ensure that proper safety measures are in place, such as blocking off the construction area from pets and children, and that all tools and hazardous materials are stored safely at the end of each day.

Remember, if you would like to discuss your kitchen renovation project in more detail, our team is always available to help. Reach out to us at 0800 014 8643. By taking these tips into consideration and maintaining a positive attitude, you’ll navigate your kitchen renovation with ease and end up with a kitchen you love.