Let’s be honest; kitchen remodel is almost always done 5 to 10 years after you wanted it done. In virtually every remodel we’ve done, the client admitted that they wanted to start the project a long time ago, but kept putting it off due to one stressful situation or another.
Sure, a kitchen remodel project can be a source of stress. Even before you start, you’re stressing out about things like cost, agreeing on the best way to do the remodel, and what the new kitchen should look like. That is a lot of stress!
A partner of mine once claimed that the only thing more stressful in a marriage than a kitchen remodeling project was a heart attack! While I cannot verify the accuracy or validity of that statement, I readily admit that kitchen remodeling is a source of stressful influences on family life.
I firmly believe that kitchen remodel should be cause for excitement! Stress can be an unavoidable byproduct of a remodel, but you don’t have to lose your marriage for it!
That is why I came up with the “6 vital principles” to enjoy your kitchen remodel project:
Principle No. # 1: start with the end in mind
Always have a good design / written plan. Regardless of whether your kitchen remodel project is very basic or very complex, good plans will ensure all the elements you want in your project. Plans are a valuable communication tool that always reduces errors during the project. Even if you have to pay a little more for the design, it will be worth starting with a clear image of the finished product.
Principle # 2: Minimize Your Downtime
There’s no way to avoid it. A major kitchen remodel project inherently involves downtime in your kitchen. Your family will not be able to use the kitchen as a place to gather, cook, eat, do homework, etc. for a moment. Since there is no way to eliminate downtime, you want to reduce it as much as possible. Because cabinets take longer to arrive after ordering, never begin demolition until the cabinets have been delivered to the warehouse. This should limit your downtime to no more than four weeks.
Principle # 3: Get out of town for a few days.
The construction portion of most kitchen remodeling projects will take about a month. That’s a long time to deal with dust, strangers in your house, not having the use of your kitchen, etc. At some point during the project (after week two or three), get away for a long weekend. Your project will survive without you and you will come back with enough energy to see it through.
Principle # 4: Don’t worry about the little things
To borrow part of the title of Richard Carlson’s book: Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff! Mistakes will be thrown in your kitchen remodel project. Period. End of statement. Acknowledge in advance that mistakes will occur and acknowledge that an experienced remodeling contractor knows how to minimize and correct mistakes.
Principle # 5: tackle mistakes with the right attitude
Until final approval, your remodel project is a work in progress. When you see something that was done incorrectly, or you just haven’t seen it, approach with the following attitude: “I noticed X last night when I got home. You probably saw it too, but in case you haven’t seen it yet, I wanted to take it out. to collation “. A kitchen remodeling professional will take the opportunity to correct what has been done incorrectly and respond to your positive attitude with a desire to make your day (and project) even better.
Principle # 6: Hire a professional
Have you ever tackled a home improvement project (like replacing a toilet) and about a third of the way to the project you wish you had paid someone else to do it? Now multiply that sentiment by about a billion and you know what it’s like to tackle your own kitchen remodel project. Even if you hire traders and manage their work, it increases your stress load to catastrophic levels! Hire a professional you can trust to manage the construction and give you a finished dynamite product!
Ignore the critics; Kitchen remodel is supposed to be exciting! Several clients have shed tears of joy during and after the project. Follow these 6 vital tips, overcome stress, keep your marriage intact, and enjoy your cooking for decades to come.
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