Learning About Home Remodels

Cabinet refacing is one way to give your kitchen a makeover without having to undertake a full remodel, but this project will take some planning and preparation. To make sure everything is ready for when your remodeling contractors arrive to upgrade your cabinets, use these helpful tips. With the right prep work, you can get the kitchen you want without disrupting your day-to-day life.  

Pack Like You're Moving

Even though the remodelers will only be replacing the cabinet fronts, you'll want to make sure all the cabinets are empty before your project begins. This means packing everything away securely just like if you were planning to move. Specialized boxes for packing plates and glassware can help protect fragile items, and traditional moving boxes come in handy for storing everything from pots and pans to pantry items. If you're planning to use a hot plate to prepare meals while the kitchen is under construction, you'll want to leave a couple of pans out. Make sure to set aside space in the dining room or another area of the home to stage any cookware and other essentials you'll still need access to. For frequently used pantry items, such as coffee, sugar, and cereal, consider clear resealable plastic storage containers as a temporary solution. 

Ask About Appliances

Talk to your contractors ahead of time to see if your appliances need to be moved. Unplugging and moving the refrigerator isn't always difficult, but you may need extra help to move a gas stove out of the way. You can contact your local gas company to have the appliance disconnected and to have the gas shut off to the area. If you're at all uncertain about how to handle your gas kitchen appliances, it's best to ask a professional. Remember you'll also need to arrange to have them set back up after the project is over. 

Create a Meal Plan

If you won't be able to use your kitchen for a few days, it's a good idea to come up with a meal plan. You can prepare meals in the slow cooker or with a hot plate, but you may also want to plan for ordering takeout while you're kitchen is under construction. Having paper plates and plastic silverware on hand can help you avoid the kitchen, and creating a dedicated place for your appliances like your coffeemaker can prevent frustration in the mornings. Be sure to discuss the length of the project with your contractor so you know how many meals you'll need to plan for and how long you'll be without a kitchen while the cabinets are being refaced. 

Contact a local kitchen remodeling service to learn more.