How to Survive a Remodel

Remodeling is a stressful process it is worth it in the end! Keep stress and mess to a minimum with a few tips from the CCKAB pros.

Communication is critical

• Pre-construction communication is essential. Establishing guidelines helps to eliminate tension or disputes during the renovation will keep the project on track.
• Determine who the primary and secondary construction contacts are and post their numbers for easy access.
• Work with your project manager to determine the construction timeline.
• Establish daily work start and end times. No, you don’t have to make us coffee or chocolate chip cookies!
• Clarify who is responsible for your house key/alarm system, and identify everyone who will have access to them. State your concerns. Pets, school age children, etc.
• Understand what the daily cleanup process includes to help keep dust to a minimum.
• Communication is key, keep us informed if anything going on during the remodel is upsetting or bothersome to you.
• Communicate to the workers:
  • where they can park
  • if bathroom facilities are available
  • if and where they can smoke
  • how loud they may play a radio
  • identify clean up area
  • decide where and how pets will be confined

Packing up

• Please pack up all items in your existing cabinets, drawers and closets before your remodel.
• Use this process as a way to de-clutter or donate.
• Decide where you’re going to store furniture and boxes during the renovation.
• Be selective on the kitchen essentials- coffee machine, toaster…
• Although not environmentally friendly, disposable plates and utensils are convenient!

Living in the chaos

If it’s not feasible to pack up and move in with your sister or mother-in-law during renovation, determine how you can make life as comfortable as possible.

• Set up a temporary cooking area with your microwave, crock pot (Recipes anyone?) toaster oven and coffee maker. We can try and move your refrigerator into another room as well!
• Convert the laundry sink or extra bathroom sink into a dishwashing station. If it is the summer, get the kids out there with the garden hose. We can’t be responsible for water fights or mud puddles!
• Storing necessary kitchen or bath items in covered tubs help keep them clean.
• Have a quiet space to escape.