You can live without a lot of things, but a kitchen? The idea probably gives you hives. But if you’re picturing yourself heating your food over a campfire, fear not! A little planning can ensure you have the kitchen of your dreams without having to live like an early pioneer. Use this kitchen renovation checklist to ensure your remodel doesn’t completely upend your life.
Tips to Survive a Kitchen Remodel
Protect Your Surfaces
Even the best remodel requires some grime! Map out where contractors will enter and exit. If you’re concerned about damage to your flooring or furniture, you may want to put down carpet scraps, old rugs, or plastic drop cloths.
Create a Temporary Kitchen
Don’t leave all the creativity to choosing tile and countertops! Before you begin, create a temporary kitchen space. Ideally, you’ll have a spot in your house, like a utility or laundry room, that has a sink. But you may need to get creative; a corner of your garage or your basement could also work. Make sure you have a work surface where you can prep your food, and storage for your food and necessary appliances. Which leads us to….
Choose Your Appliances Wisely
What will you need to get through your remodel? If you don’t have a second stove, think like a college student! Microwaves and crock pots — items that don’t take up a lot of space — will be your friends during your kitchen remodel. If your full-size refrigerator won’t be an option, find a mini-fridge. While it may take you back to your college dorm days, it can come in handy.
Store What You Don’t Need
Also, decide what tools and appliances you’ll really need. The citrus zester and the bulky KitchenAid mixer can probably go into storage until you have full use of your remodeled kitchen. It’s the essentials you’ll need to focus on, like knives, microwaveable bowls, and, if you run on caffeine, a coffee maker.
Stock Your Pantry
Have limited space for perishable items? Turn to pre-packaged or canned foods when possible. Vegetables, pastas and snacks are easy to store, have a long shelf life, and don’t require refrigeration. Having these on hand can help ease the burden of not having access to a full kitchen!
Be Super-Sure
Did you know that a kitchen remodel — or any home remodeling project, for that matter — could make a difference in your insurance? If you want to be super-sure that you have the right coverages in place, talk to your local Farm Bureau agent about scheduling a SuperCheck®. By regularly checking in on the changes in your life, your Farm Bureau agent can help you make sure that your property, your family, and your future are protected.