If you’ve ever talked to someone who has recently completed a kitchen remodeling project, you know that it can be challenging to live through the process. However, getting started can be just as tricky! Before you begin the remodeling process, take some time to make sure that you’re approaching it in the right way. Things like thoroughly interviewing contractors, creating a temporary kitchen area, and cleaning out the pantry can all help make the process go more smoothly and make your entire experience a more successful one.
Kitchen Remodeling Tip # 1: What To Ask Potential Contractors
Without a great contractor, your entire project could fall apart quickly. The right contractor will make sure that the project is done on time and correctly, which is why it’s so important to have a good one. However, it can be challenging to know whether you’ve chosen the right contractor. Make sure to interview at least three of them and don’t sign a contract with the first one before meeting with the other two. Make sure to get bids from all three, but beware of an offer that seems abnormally low. This could be a warning signal that the contractor cuts costs by cutting corners with materials or labor.
If possible, ask the contractor to provide references. Then actually call these people! Ask questions such as “Was the job completed on time and on a budget?”; “Did the contractor show up when he or she promised?”; and “Would you use the contractor again?” This last question is critical– if the homeowner would not hire the contractor for another job, this can be a serious red flag!
Kitchen Remodeling Tip # 2: Create A Temporary Kitchen
Your experience will be a more positive one if you have space for necessary supplies. A remodel job is stressful enough– now is not the time to try to give up caffeine! Instead, create a space for your coffeemaker, a small shelf for commonly used pantry items, and even your refrigerator. Starting your morning off with a cup of coffee and a bowl of cereal and milk can help cut down on eating-out costs and make you feel less stressed.
Kitchen Remodeling Tip # 3: Clean Your Pantry
If your kitchen remodeling includes space for a new pantry, make sure that you’re not going to fill it with junk! Clean out your pantry and throw away anything that you bought but aren’t sure why! If the items are still good, take them to a food pantry so that others can benefit from them. However, if the items in your pantry are expired, it’s best to just throw them away. A cleaned-out pantry can help make it easy to fill back up when your project is done, but it also reduces the number of things you need to store as your project is underway.
It’s a given that a kitchen remodeling will cause a little bit of disruption to your household– it’s inevitable. However, when you use these tips, you can help ensure a more successful project from start to finish.