Practical Planning Tips
There are plenty of practical things to consider before starting a kitchen remodel, but some of the most important involve timing and preparation. In short, the more planning you can do before even touching a tool,
the better you will be able to handle the inevitable setbacks. As long as you make sure that it doesn’t coincide with major holidays or extended house guests, a do-it-yourself kitchen remodel doesn’t have to take over your life.
The first tip is to be generous when creating a timeline. You never know when ordered parts will be delayed or paint will take twice as long to dry as you estimated. For the most part, the simplest remodel can be completed within a week with more extensive remodels—that involve new cabinets, floors, and professionally installed countertops—taking up to three months to complete. Even if it’s a small-scale project, be prepared to not have access to your kitchen while work is being done, since even paint fumes can disrupt daily life for a day or two. One smart solution is to create a temporary kitchen elsewhere in your home where you can plug in a coffeemaker or microwave, or even a mini refrigerator.
Another thing to consider is the need for permits from your local building authority. Familiarize yourself with local codes before you alter anything electrical or structural. For plumbing projects, you’ll want to look into the requirements in your area or determine the need for a new line before you get started. As for changes that involve ventilation, you’ll want to refer to some of the building codes and guidelines we’ve included earlier in the book.
Like successful standup comedy, successful kitchen remodeling requires impeccable timing. Dedicate a calendar to the projects and be sure to keep it updated. Planning the timing is the only way to keep the amount of time you’ll be without a functioning kitchen to a bare minimum, and it will let contractors and tradespeople work more efficiently.
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