Kitchen remodeling have seen a surge in popularity recently, but they come with expenses, obstacles, and intricacies. Whether you’re fed up with your current kitchen or ready to splurge on a kitchen improvement, the initial decision involves weighing the feasibility of residing in your home during remodeling or seeking alternative accommodations temporarily.
In this piece, we’ll outline six key inquiries to ponder before determining if residing in your home during a kitchen remodel is feasible. Additionally, we’ll explore alternative housing options should you opt to relocate temporarily. Let’s dive in and get the insights you need!
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Wondering about the duration of your kitchen remodel?
The extent and magnitude of your kitchen remodeling significantly influence whether staying put or seeking alternative housing is advisable. Typically, an average kitchen remodel spans six to eight weeks, while larger endeavors may stretch to 12 weeks. If you’re contemplating a complete overhaul, from gutting the space to starting anew, anticipate this timeline extending to three to five months.
Engage in discussions with your general contractor to obtain accurate estimations for your timeline, accounting for various project elements like countertops, backsplash, flooring, or cabinets. The disparity between enduring a six-week versus a three-month kitchen remodel is substantial, as is the financial preparation required for alternative living arrangements. It’s crucial to align your expectations and budget accordingly.
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Is living without a kitchen manageable?
A primary hurdle homeowners encounter during kitchen remodeling is the loss of access to this vital space throughout the remodel. Kitchens are bustling hubs essential for storing, preparing, consuming, and tidying up after meals. Coping without access to these functions proves challenging due to their integral role in daily routines.
Maintaining a semblance of normalcy during a kitchen remodel involves setting up a “temporary kitchen” in an alternate area of your home, like the dining room. Utilize countertop ovens, hot plates, slow cookers, microwaves, electric skillets, Instant Pots, and mini-fridges to mimic essential kitchen functionalities. Plan meals that can be prepared using these appliances to sustain your routine during the remodel.
Utilize your backyard grill, weather permitting, as an alternative cooking option during a remodel. Concerned about post-cooking cleanup? Consider investing in a portable dishwasher or washing dishes in the bathroom sink. Outdoor hose usage is also an option for cleaning. Additionally, opt for paper and plastic utensils temporarily to streamline dishwashing responsibilities, albeit at the expense of environmental impact.
Before purchasing new cooking appliances for your temporary kitchen, inquire with your general contractor about available kits for setting up such a space. This could save you from unnecessary expenses on items you may not require post-remodel. Moreover, discuss the possibility of relocating your fridge to another area of your home, such as the basement or another living space, ensuring continued access to ample refrigeration and freezer storage during the remodel.
In cases where setting up a temporary kitchen isn’t feasible, your survival during the remodel may hinge on a mix of takeout, pre-cooked, ready-to-eat, and freezer meals. While convenient, takeout expenses can escalate quickly. Even the most ardent pizza fans may tire of daily indulgence. Establishing and adhering to a meal plan becomes crucial in managing expenses and culinary variety. This approach ensures clarity on grocery needs and available cooking options throughout the remodel period.
Assess your readiness for a kitchen remodel by staging a trial run with a temporary kitchen setup. Prepare a few meals and gauge your stress levels. If you find yourself easily frustrated or overwhelmed, extrapolating this experience across multiple meals daily and over several months may prove daunting. It’s essential to consider your comfort and sanity before committing to living through a prolonged kitchen remodeling process.
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Are You Ready for the Inconveniences of a Kitchen Remodel?
Let’s be clear: undergoing any home remodeling is no walk in the park (though you might find yourself having impromptu living room picnics!). Anticipate frequent disruptions to your daily life, from the absence of a functioning kitchen to noisy work during unconventional hours, or intermittent utility outages. Remodeling challenges are mitigated when homeowners and contractors have separate entrances, reducing the risk of mutual interference and inadvertent dust dispersion throughout the house.
Noise is a significant factor to contemplate during a kitchen remodeling. Collaborate with your contractor to set designated working hours, but be prepared for considerable disruption during those times. If you work remotely, relocating during the remodeling might be more compatible with your productivity and sanity, sparing your coworkers from the symphony of table saws and drills during your Zoom calls.
Moreover, if you have young children striving to maintain a regular sleep routine, coping with the disruptive early-morning noises of a kitchen remodel can be challenging. Similarly, consider the impact on pets, as loud noises may induce stress in dogs. Prioritize their comfort when deliberating whether to remain at home or seek alternative accommodations during the kitchen remodeling.
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Is my family’s health and safety at risk during a kitchen remodel?
One crucial aspect of any kitchen remodel is that your contractor will establish a barrier between the kitchen and the rest of the house. This serves to ensure the safety of your family members and contain any construction dust within a designated area.
Despite diligent efforts, curious children and pets may find their way into the construction zone of your remodel, presenting significant safety risks. If you’re concerned about effectively keeping them away from the remodeling area, it’s advisable to consider relocating to another place temporarily for everyone’s safety and peace of mind.
Moreover, while dust walls serve as helpful barriers, they aren’t completely foolproof, meaning your home won’t be entirely dust-free during the remodel. This can be particularly problematic if you have immunocompromised family members, especially those with asthma, as it could lead to discomfort or even pose health risks. In such cases, investing extra money to stay in a safer environment during the remodel may be well worth it for the well-being of your loved ones.
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Does staying home increase remodeling costs?
Opting to remain in your home during a kitchen remodel often boils down to the expense of securing alternative housing. Nonetheless, it’s important to note that staying onsite can actually inflate the overall project cost. Adapting to your schedule may prolong the remodeling timeline, while daily cleanups for safety measures can detract from the actual progress made by the crew. These factors can contribute to increased project expenses when living onsite during the remodeling.
Moreover, certain contractors may implement extra dust mitigation measures if you choose to reside in the home during the remodeling, potentially resulting in additional expenses. When cost is a primary consideration in deciding whether to stay or relocate, it’s essential to factor in the potential extension of the project timeline if you opt to remain present. The longer duration of the kitchen remodeling project with you on-site could translate to increased overall costs.
Should I consider temporary housing?
If relocating during the remodel seems like the optimal choice, your first consideration should be whether you can accommodate the additional housing expenses alongside your home remodeling budget. If finances are constrained, explore options such as staying with family, friends, or neighbors temporarily. However, note that longer remodeling projects may pose challenges in securing such accommodations.
If budget allows for independent lodging during the remodeling, consider a few options. Extended-stay hotels could be available in your vicinity, yet bear in mind that such accommodations may lack traditional kitchen amenities. Typically, these hotels provide only a microwave and a small refrigerator. Additionally, hotel expenses can accumulate quickly and may not necessarily be budget-friendly over an extended period.
Securing a traditional apartment for a short-term stay can be challenging, as most landlords typically require tenants to commit to a yearlong lease. This duration far exceeds the timeline of a typical kitchen remodel, which hopefully won’t extend that long.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision to live in your house during a kitchen remodel involves careful consideration of various factors, including project duration, convenience, safety, and budget. While staying onsite may seem practical initially, it can lead to challenges such as inconvenience, disruptions, and increased expenses. Alternatively, seeking temporary accommodations may offer a smoother and more comfortable experience, albeit with additional costs.
Throughout this guide, we’ve highlighted the importance of communication with your contractor, setting realistic expectations, and prioritizing the well-being of your family. Whether you choose to set up a temporary kitchen, endure the disruptions at home, or opt for temporary housing, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons based on your individual circumstances.
By assessing your readiness for the remodel, planning for contingencies, and exploring alternative housing options, you can navigate the kitchen remodeling process with confidence and peace of mind. Remember to prioritize safety, convenience, and budget considerations to ensure a successful and stress-free remodeling experience.
At Together Design and Build, we understand the complexities of kitchen remodeling and are committed to providing expert guidance and support every step of the way. Our team of professionals is here to help you achieve your remodeling goals while minimizing disruptions to your daily life. Contact us today to begin your kitchen transformation journey and turn your vision into reality. Together, let’s create the kitchen of your dreams!
