There’s nothing more exciting than undertaking a complete kitchen makeover. And rightly so, as from bringing in your personal elements to the idea of improved functionality, there’s a lot to be enthusiastic about a remodeled kitchen.
But you’ll agree when I say that kitchen makeovers like this can also make life difficult, albeit temporarily.
And it starts with one concern, i.e., how to prepare for a kitchen remodel?
In fact, as a kitchen remodeling expert myself, this is the most obvious question I am asked by my clients.
After all, not only do you need to remove everything from the kitchen but also likely set up a temporary pantry or cooking area while renovations are underway.
However, prepare for a kitchen remodel right and you can expect an almost smooth sail with the least hassles.
Curious how?
Read on, as I’ve explained how to prepare for kitchen renovation from beginning to end.
1. Get complete clarity about your renovation goals and budget
First thing first, you should be clear about what you exactly want to achieve out of a kitchen remodel. For instance, whether you want a complete kitchen overhaul or simply cosmetic changes is something you’ll need to establish.
You see, having a clear scope early on will help you make important decisions about kitchen layout and renovation materials, among others.
Similarly, you’ll need to have a realistic budget that is in line with your project’s scope and covers essential as well as unexpected expenses.
Here’s how you can go about planning your renovation scope and budget:
A. Define the scale of renovation
When it comes to defining the scope of your kitchen remodel project, there are few questions you should find answers to, including:
- Why are you remodeling the kitchen? Is it because the kitchen has an outdated design that you want to improve, or do you simply want to make the most out of the ROI on kitchen remodel?
- What features do you want to have in your kitchen? For instance, do you want to add a kitchen island, install energy-efficient appliances, or make it accessible for family members with support needs?
- Do you use your kitchen everyday or is it on weekends or special days that you use it more often?
Getting answers to these questions will help you have a clear visualization of your kitchen renovation project and streamline the entire process.
B. Budget everything
Once you’ve decided what the renovation is going to be like, I suggest you determine how much you’re willing to spend.
For instance, the average cost of remodeling a kitchen can be anywhere between $15,000 and $150,000, depending on the extent of upgrades. So, you should figure out how much you can set aside from between this range for your project.
Also, break your budget down into categories like cabinets, appliances, countertops, etc., and consider hidden costs that might come up along the way.
2. Hire a kitchen remodeling contractor
Having figured out the kind of renovation you want and the amount you’re willing to spend, it’s time you choose a kitchen remodeling contractor.
You see, when figuring out how to prepare for a kitchen remodel, homeowners often neglect this aspect. However, hiring the right professionals is also one of the most critical steps in preparing for a kitchen remodel.
And to that end, I suggest you look for experienced professionals backed by solid references.
After all, a reliable team of professionals will ensure the renovation proceeds smoothly, everything stays on schedule, and you get high-quality results.
All in all, you should look for a team with the following experts:
- General contractor to oversee the entire project.
- Kitchen designer to redesign the space for functionality and aesthetics.
- Architect to oversee structural changes (if you’re moving load bearing walls, etc).
3. Declutter the kitchen
Decluttering is the first physical step in preparing for a kitchen remodel where you’ll remove everything from utensils to food, and more, leaving the space for renovation professionals. Here, you can start by sorting all kitchen items into three categories, namely, keep, donate, and discard.
Now, pack all essentials like utensils, pots, and pantry staples in labeled boxes and store fragile items safely to avoid damage.
At the same time, you can either donate or discard such items that you don’t need anymore.
The best part is that not only does this protect your belongings, but it also ensures a smooth transition when it’s time to set up your new kitchen.
4. Create a temporary kitchen or pantry

Let’s admit it: No matter how much you prepare for a kitchen remodel, living through one will disrupt your daily life.
So, how to survive a kitchen remodel without much disruption to your day-to-day life?
Well, one way is to move out of your home temporarily or dine out more often. However, a remodel can take 4-5 weeks or more, making both of these options impractical.
And in this case, a temporary kitchen or cooking area is the only way you can practically maintain a sense of normalcy.
I am not talking about building a new kitchen altogether here, but a simple set-up at a convenient location where you can store kitchen essentials and prepare simple meals.
You see, a kitchen like this will reduce stress and make the remodeling period more manageable. More so if you’re a family with kids or pets, as it ensures everyone’s needs are met.
Here are a few ways you can create a functional temporary kitchen while renovations are underway:
A. Find a convenient location
First thing first, you’ll need to find a space that has access to water and electricity. And it could be anywhere from the garage to the laundry room, and more.
As a rule of thumb, you should check if you can store and operate the following kitchen appliances in the space:
- Mini fridge
- Microwave
- Hot plate or portable stove
- Coffee maker or kettle
Also, this area should be away from construction noise and dust since you want a sense of normalcy and convenience and not the other way round.
B. Stock up kitchen supplies
With a convenient location for your temporary kitchen, you can now stock up supplies such as disposable plates, utensils, and napkins. Also, you can buy non-perishable foods, snacks, and dehydrated or microwaveable meals.
You see, having supplies like these on hand will help you be equipped to survive kitchen renovation with near zero disruption.
C. Prepare meals in advance
One of the ways you can address your concerns about how to survive a kitchen renovation is by preparing and freezing meals ahead of time. That’s because not only can this save you time and money but also help you be stress-free during the remodel.
You can dedicate a weekend to cooking and freezing meals. And while you do so, label each container with the contents and reheating instructions for your convenience.
5. Protect areas adjacent to the kitchen
As a renovation contractor myself, I know firsthand how much dust, debris, and noise a project like this can create. In fact, no matter how much we try to reduce these, it ends up impacting the homeowners in some way or the other.
And that’s exactly why I suggest you take steps to protect your property from damage and keep the work contained to specific areas.
Here’s what you can specifically do:
- Seal off the construction area with plastic sheeting.
- Lay out protective covers over the flooring.
- Remove wall decor to prevent damage from vibrations.
These small steps will safeguard your home while also minimizing the cleanup required once after project completion.
6. Be prepared for the Unexpected
No matter how meticulously you’ve planned your kitchen remodel, chances are you can still encounter hiccups along the way. So, it is essential you’re prepared both mentally and financially for the unforeseen challenges.
The idea is not to fret but be flexible and prepared for the following:
- Delays due to material shortages.
- Unforeseen structural issues (for instance, plumbing or electrical problems).
- Budget adjustments if required.
All in all, you should have an emergency plan and fund in place to ensure you’re ready to handle anything that comes your way.
FAQs about how to prepare for a kitchen remodel

How long does a kitchen remodel take?
On average, a remodel can take anywhere between 6 and 12 weeks. However, I suggest you factor in additional time for planning and material delivery.
Also, the average timeline of kitchen renovation can extend based on the complexity of the project, availability of materials, and efficiency of your contractor.
How can you ensure the wellbeing of your kids and pets during renovation?
It is essential you keep your kids and pets away from the construction area for their safety and wellbeing.
You can consider daycare for both kids and pets so that they’re in a secure and noise-free area while renovations are underway. This will not only ensure their well-being but also helps contractors work more efficiently without distractions or safety concerns.
How can you stay on budget?
While it is possible you can exceed the budget, you can prevent it by:
- Getting multiple quotes from contractors.
- Avoiding last-minute changes to the design.
- Choosing cost-effective materials without compromising quality.
Conclusion
So far in the blog, you already know how to prepare for a kitchen remodel in great detail. In fact, I am confident you can follow the above steps to not only plan a remodel but also execute it efficiently while staying on budget.
Got more questions or looking to get your kitchen remodeled?
You can get in touch with us!
At Creative Design Ceramic Tile & Bath, we are seasoned kitchen renovation experts with 38+ years of hands-on experience. And we’ve got all your remodeling requirements covered on a budget.