Before you begin your remodeling project, make sure that you secondary place to prepare meals. You'll need a location that has convenient access to water. Ideally, you will be able to use your existing stove and refrigerator. If not, make sure that you have ample coolers on hand, as well as an electric kettle, hot plate, toaster oven and microwave. If the weather cooperates, you can also make good use of your barbecue at renovation time.
Once you're ready to begin renovating your kitchen, be aware of these common mistakes, and try to avoid them:
1. Wall Damage: Be careful not to destroy the kitchen walls when you're removing old cabinets. See if you can replace the cabinetry without taking down the existing braces.
2. Surface Damage: Floors, cabinets and countertops are also prone to unnecessary damage. Protect your cabinets and countertops with drop cloths. Floors are easily damaged during wall replacements and other major renovation projects. Think about putting down a layer of plywood to protect your kitchen floor.
3. Shut off the Utilities: You might think that it's enough to switch a breaker, pull a fuse or close a valve, but you could be in for a surprise. Safety should always be your first priority. Shut off the water and electricity supplies completely before you begin working.
4. Protect Against Debris. Even though you're renovating in the kitchen, you can be sure that dust from sanding and tiling will find its way through the entire house. Use plastic sheeting to cover doorways to adjoining rooms, and seal air vents to contain the mess. Ventilation is important, however, so be sure to leave the kitchen windows and outside door open.
5. Timing is Everything: Kitchen renovations take time, and it's easy to underestimate your completion date. Beginning a major kitchen overhaul two weeks before Christmas just isn't a good idea. It's easy to botch a job if you're racing to meet a deadline, so give yourself plenty of time to do the job right.
Before you roll up your sleeves and get to work, make sure that you and your kitchen are fully prepared:
* Pack up everything that will not be used in your temporary kitchen area. Label the boxes clearly and store them away.
* If it's not nailed down, get rid of it. Kitchen drawers, furniture, spice racks, appliances, lazy susans, clocks and trinkets should be removed and put aside or packed away. If you can't move it, take time to protect it from dirt and damage.
* Arrange to have the refuse removed. There will be a lot of debris, particularly if you're replacing flooring, walls, cabinets or countertops. If you don't have a truck, rent a dumpster. Have it as close to the kitchen as possible, so you can throw the debris right in. Pay attention to any materials that can be reused. Those old cabinets may be handy in the laundry room or garage. Call a charity organization and donate your unneeded materials. Try Habitat for Humanity.
* Be sure that the gas and water are shut off before you remove your major appliances. Most appliances have individual shutoff valves for plumbing and water, but you should consider turning off the main supply valves. The main gas line valve should be located near the gas meter. When you're done working and you've opened the gas line back up, remember to relight all of your pilot lights.
* Disconnect all electrical circuits leading to the renovation area. Many older homes have wiring systems that have been modified, and it's not always clear which circuits or fuses control a particular area. You can't afford to guess, so call a qualified electrician if you're not sure. Otherwise, you can turn off the main power to the house while you're working. You can also tape over the breakers to safeguard against switching them back on inadvertently.
* Dismantle existing fixtures and outlets if you plan on upgrading your electrical system. First, remove all of the light bulbs, and then dismantle each fixture by unscrewing the cover plate and pulling the receptacle out of the box. Detach the wires carefully.
Cap any exposed wires should be capped until you're ready to install the new fixtures. Bare copper wires are grounds that do not need to be capped. There is zero room for error when it comes to electricity. If you don't know how to replace electrical fixtures, spend the money on the services of a certified electrician.
It takes a lot of work to remodel a kitchen, but the results can be spectacular. In your home, the kitchen is likely used for playing, socializing and leaning as much as it is a place to cook. The time and effort that you spend on your kitchen renovation will surely pay off in many ways.
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