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By Michael Gruber, President, Building Industry Association of Stark & East Central Ohio
Kitchens are the heart and soul of your home. A kitchen remodel to refresh and update your kitchen can make for a more enjoyable space to cook and entertain. A kitchen remodel poses a unique but temporary challenge.
With your cooktop, oven, refrigerator and sink out of commission, you will have to get creative and find a different space to prepare meals. However, with careful planning and good communication with your remodeler, you will be able to endure the temporary inconvenience until your dream kitchen is completed.
To get an idea of what to expect, several of our members that specialize in cabinets and other aspects of kitchen remodeling gave me their thoughts.
Set up a temporary kitchen space
Dining at restaurants or picking up meals to go are common but expensive solutions when your kitchen is unavailable for cooking.
However, you will be incurring additional expense for food that may not be as healthy as what you would prepare.
If you still want to prepare meals at home during a remodel, Joe Laure of Accent Home Improvement says, “The best way to ensure you have a space to assemble a meal is to set up a temporary kitchen. When selecting a space for a temporary kitchen try to find an area in your home with hardwood floors for easy cleanup, room for storage, outlets for small appliances and a water source for cleaning and meal prep. A garage, utility room, or spare bedroom with an adjoining bathroom are suitable alternatives. For counter space, a folding table can provide the additional surface area you need.”
Stock up on essential kitchen items
While your kitchen is undergoing renovations, chances are you will not be making complex meals or entertaining family and friends for dinner.
Set aside only the small appliances and tableware you need for basic meal prep. Another option is to invest in disposable cutlery, cups and dishes to help you cut down on dishwashing. A toaster, coffee maker, microwave, crockpot or air fryer are a few of the useful small appliances you can have on hand that do not take up too much space. If you do not have a small refrigerator to move to your temporary kitchen, ask your
contractor to help you relocate your current refrigerator to an easily accessible spot. If weather permits, utilizing an outdoor grill is also an alternative solution for meal preparation.
Manage dust and disruptions
“A professional remodeler has experience advising clients on the best way to live comfortably in their homes during a kitchen remodel,” says Curtis Bates of Johannings Inc.
“Before the renovation is underway, ask your contractor about mitigating dust and managing noise levels. Make sure any personal items in your kitchen are packed away and safely stored in another location away from the renovation. Don’t forget about your pets. If you have a work crew in your home, plan a safe space for your pets away from the remodel to avoid accidents and disruptions.”
For more information about living in your home during a remodel or for a list of qualified remodelers, contact the BIA at 330-494-5700 or visit biastarkeco.com.
https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/2021/11/26/mike-gruber-tips-living-your-home-during-kitchen-remodel/8675711002/
