Reducing the Stress of Kitchen Remodeling

Actual Before and After of Manhasset Project - After photo by Creepwalk Media

With many projects in the works to be installed for the holidays, let us share a few helpful tips that will make the process run smoother.  While no kitchen renovation or new home construction can be stress free, there are many ways of reducing stress. Planning, planning, followed by more planning almost assures that things will run smoothly.

Conversely, rushing dramatically increases mistakes and miscommunication, and the stress associated with them. Too often homeowners, in a frantic effort to “get a jump on things,” begin a kitchen project without everything needed for the project in place.

Steps to Avoid Stress Before Construction Begins

1.     Remove everything being saved from the renovation zone and throw out everything you can.

2.     Create a space in your home that will act as your temporary kitchen. Set your microwave, toaster oven and refrigerator up in this area, along with food, paper plates, and other supplies. Remodeling in the spring though the fall can also allow you to grill outside easily. Many find picking up or bookmarking takeout menus is helpful as well.

3.     Clear out as much of your garage as you can. Having contractors work in your garage when possible is much less stressful and noisy than inside your home.

4.     Try to be away for some of the early construction work. Homeowners should not be needed for this phase, and it is the loudest and most intrusive. Homeowners without construction expertise often stress needlessly during this early phase.