Kitchen Remodel

When doing my remodel, I made a rough checklist of everything that needed to be done. I used the computer, so I could add or rearrange each task until they were in a logical order. This was a great help to keep me on track, and avoid costly errors. Here are more tips to help get you started:

Decide on everything from cabinets to switches before you begin. Get samples of everything and match them to see if they blend. Then watch each step to insure colors are accurate. The factory blend may be different from day to day.

Schedule arrival dates of workers and materials in this order: electrician, drywaller, painter, floor installer (vinyl), cabinet installer, appliance installer, countertop maker, plumber.

Ask each contractor how long their job will take, then add 5 hours in between schedules. If they don't run into overtime, use the 5 hours to inspect, clean, or rearrange to ready the area for the next worker.

Have on hand battery operated tools...and multiple batteries.

A cellular phone is a must for contractors to be able to get in touch with you. If you don't have one, get one.

Move your microwave oven, electric grill, and mini fridge to temporary quarters that you can use as a mini kitchen. Keep out only one place setting per person. Don't buy any food that cannot be cooked in the new location. Buy fruit, bread, and anything that's easy to store and eat (such as canned food). Be prepared to shop every other day for anything fresh, and wash each dish the moment you're done with it.

Run an ad in the paper or hold a garage sale to sell the old appliances. Better still, arrange for Goodwill or the Salvation Army to haul them away (might be tax deductable).

Fill the bin you are taking to the city dump as full as safety will allow. Usually you'll be charged a minimum fee even if you don't meet the weight, it's less expensive to pay by the pound.

Rent a storage unit to hold kitchen items if you're tight on space or clean out the garage.

Rearrange living areas that may have to accommidate cabinets, or appliances before they are installed.

If you'd rather the contractorss didn't traipse through your house to use a bathroom, rent an outdoor portable toilet.

Place a trash can near where the workers park to keep break-time garbage from spreading to your lawn or neighbors.

Inspect everything before the delivery person leaves. Make arrangements to have damaged items taken away and replaced. Also check the cabinets for aesthetics. A knothole or dark vein of grain in light maple cabinetry may prove an eyesore later. Replace it while you can.

I saved the most important tip for last. Make sure to schedule days off. You need time to relax without the interuptions of contractors and noise. If you are doing this yourself, you may get sore from overworked muscles. I found that leaving the house completely on Wednesdays and Sundays helped keep me sane. It's hard work, but the enjoyment when it is done is worth it!

Before and after pictures

Also read
A Gem In The Rough

First rule of beginning any remodeling project: be prepared for Murphy's law. Even if everything goes right, a kitchen re-do can still take six weeks or more. Your kitchen's face-lift will vary depending on the extent of the project, the age and condition of your home, and etc. This breakdown should give you a good idea of what to expect.

Act One: Tear it out
Day One
Use heavy clear plastic sheets to cordon off the kitchen and keep debris from scattering. Shut off electricity, then water. Remove items in this order: sink, remaining built-in appliances, countertops, base cabinets, upper cabinets.

If you are hiring out the work, interview contractors carefully. Homeowners can save money by doing at least the tear-down phase themselves. This part can also be educational: Removing the sink base may reveal rotten floorboards, or you may find that your wiring isn't as up-to-date as you thought.

That's actually good news. After all, wouldn't you rather know these problems exist? The worst part would be rescheduling contracts for delivery and installation of cabinets, counters, flooring, and appliances, until repairs are complete.

Day Two: Clean the kitchen and trash area (you'll be too tired on day one). Then wash the soffits, walls, windows, and flooring.

Day Three: Collapse. If you actually gutted your kitchen in only two days, I applaud you, otherwise, finish today. Make follow-up calls.

Act Two: Preparation
Most do-it-yourselfers can save by painting or putting up drywall. If you're uncertain of your skills, use certified electricians or plumbers to upgrade mechanicals such as wiring and pipes.

Prep work may include the flooring. Remember: Vinyl floorings go in easily before the cabinets arrive, but tile and wood floors are usually installed afterward.

Act Three: Installation
You'll be excited to see new cabinets and appliances arrive, but don't forget to check them for nicks and dings. Even if you install them yourself, make sure to use a padded dolly to move the items around; likewise, you should use wood clamps and not metal ones on the cabinets to avoid marring them.

Self installation could significantly help your budget, but the savings may not be worth the cost if it looks like an amateur installation. Honestly evaluate whether you and a friend will be able to accomplish each step. I strongly recommend reading a few home improvement manuals and talk to home improvement professionals before you jump at the chance to save money.

Act Four: Putting it all together
After the countertops, sinks, faucets, and lights, then come all the little details. This is a great opportunity to personalize light covers, decorative hardware, switchplates, and minor trim. It's also a fast way to run up your budget. You may love the crystal handles that your grandmother's home had. Have you priced those? If you think $2.10 is a bargan, wait until you multiply that by every cabinet, and every drawer. An adverage kitchen can easily eat $100.00 in hardware. Don't run out of steam (or let your contractor drift away). Stay focused while completing your final touches, or you may get used to living without them.