When you make the decision to remodel your kitchen, you’re taking on a major project. You’ll be without a kitchen for several weeks and will likely have to live with a construction site inside your home for some time. This can be stressful for anyone, particularly families with young children. These tips on how to survive a kitchen remodel with kids can help you plan things out so that the next few weeks go as smoothly as possible.
Find the Right Contractor
The number one necessity for surviving any sort of remodel is to find the right contractor for the job. While this may not seem like something that will pertain to kids, it will certainly impact all of your plans throughout the project. If you aren’t working with the right company, you may find your timeline, budget, and sanity all suffering.
When looking for the right contractor, ask around to family and friends for recommendations. Reviews from people you know will make finding a good company much easier than sorting through hundreds of anonymous ratings online. Additionally, make time to interview each potential company and ask them several questions about their process, licenses, permits, how long the project will take, and if they can work with your budget.
Have a Functional Temporary Kitchen
One of the first things you should plan on when remodeling your kitchen is being without it altogether. You likely won’t have the full ability to cook without your oven and stove top, so creating a space you can set up as a temporary kitchen will be a huge help. Stock up on dry goods like cereals, pasta, and canned vegetables in order to always have easy snacks and meals on hand for your hungry kids. Consider investing in a mini-fridge or a small freezer to store perishable goods. You can also stock up on frozen meals for you and your kids. While these meals aren’t necessarily the healthiest option, they’ll save you a headache if you have a microwave available.
Go on Vacation
If you plan ahead of time and budget accordingly, going on vacation during your remodel can help alleviate the stress of living without a kitchen, as long as you are comfortable leaving town for a part of it or having neighbors, family, or friends check-in on the progress. This can not only make the project feel like it’s going a lot faster, but you can turn the trip into a fun and relaxing family vacation. By the time it’s over, you’ll be able to come home to your brand new kitchen!
Schedule Plenty of Activities Outside the Home
Remodeling can get noisy and interfere with your kids’ regular schedules and activities. Make plans for your kids to spend time with friends or other family to avoid some of the hectic project inside your house. Talk with other parents and see if your kids can get together with theirs for a playdate, or even a sleepover. Also, consider doing activities as a family. Schedule a trip to the science center or see a kid-friendly show or movie. This way, you’ll be able to get out of the house when it’s a mess and leave the work to the experts!
Take a Visit to Grandma’s
If you don’t want to personally monitor the project as it progresses, it could be beneficial to just get the kids out of the busy house. If their grandparents are close by, consider letting the kids stay there for a portion or through all of the remodel project. Think of it as a mini vacation for the kids that you don’t have to plan out.
But don’t forget about yourselves. If your parents don’t mind, consider staying with them for the duration or part of the project. Not only will the kids be safe from the construction mess, but you’ll also be less stressed about living in it, as well. This way, you can also stop by your home from time to time and make sure things are going smoothly, but you don’t have to go without a kitchen.
Let Honey-Doers Help You Survive Your Kitchen Remodel
When it comes to surviving a kitchen remodel with kids, you want to make sure you’re fully prepared before you even start. This means strategically planning activities, vacations, or play dates during this busy time period. Having the right contractor can help make sure your remodel goes smoothly and quickly, making it less stressful for you and your kids. Honey-Doers can help with that! We’ve been fulfilling remodeling needs for Minneapolis families for over 20 years. With the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to achieve your dream kitchen, we will get it done right the first time. Contact us today and get started with a free estimate.
