Any remodeling project in your home requires patience and preparation. But when remodeling a kitchen, that can reach a whole new level – after all, we have to eat! Our decades of experience have taught us many ways to minimize your inconvenience.  In fact, we invite you to take advantage of the great tips we’ve put together for you whether you’re located in Barrington, Lake In The Hills, Algonquin, Elgin, East Dundee or West Dundee.

Your journey starts well before the remodeling begins. Getting ready for your kitchen remodel project is a great time to clean out all those crowded cabinets and get rid of unnecessary items.  Pack up your kitchen – and remember to label boxes clearly to make unpacking a lot easier. Make sure to mark fragile items accordingly to avoid breakage. Find a place to store everything away from the construction area. It’s also a good idea to remove items such as painting or pictures from the walls leading to and from the work area. Other items need special attention too. Construction creates dust, while hepa construction fans and cordoning off the work area make a big difference,here simply isn’t any way to completely avoid it. If you have a fish tank or delicate electrical equipment in close proximity to the work, it is important to keep them well covered and protected. 

Choose a safe enclosed area to store your new kitchen cabinets and appliances when they arrive. It’s a good idea to have space cleared out and ready for delivery. The garage is often the ideal spot. You’ll also want to designate a safe spot for workers to store their tools. 

Next, plan a location for your temporary kitchen outside the remodeling area. If you have a hot plate, microwave, and a toaster or  toaster oven, these can really come in handy. Here are a few other key items to keep in mind for your temporary kitchen:

• Plan a space for the refrigerator. 
• Consider where your water source will be in relation to your temporary kitchen.
• Keep cleaning supplies and dish towels handy. 
• Stock your freezer with microwavable meals.
• Make sure you have your coffee maker and electric kettle for tea handy, including filers, coffee, and tea bags. 
• Gather your everyday utensils that you use most often, such as can openers, bottle and wine openers, your favorite knives, large spoons and spatulas.
• Remember your cooking basics, like butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, and favorite spices.
• Minimize washing up by using paper plates & napkins, as well as disposable silverware.
• Coffee Maker (don’t forget to put the filters and coffee close at hand too!)
• Designate a table and chairs to use for eating – use tv trays in your living room

No matter how much you prepare, the limitations imposed by a temporary kitchen can get old! That’s why we advise many of our clients to think of your remodel as a fantastic time to try all the new restaurants you’ve wanted to go to. Make a list before it starts and see how many you can check off. Eating out is a nice diversion when you just can’t stand another microwave meal.

If you have pets, you’ll want to have a place where you can safely keep them away from the construction. If you can’t find a safe area in your home, investigate pet daycare options or make play dates for them to visit their furry friends. You can even board them at a kennel for short periods.

At Jim Keller Kitchen, Bath and Home, we take our commitment to our clients seriously. We’ll go above and beyond the call of duty to make sure your remodeling experience is as smooth and easy as possible. We’ll guide and advise you every step of the way.

Your first step to the kitchen of your dreams is just a phone call away. Call us today at 847.844.1900 if you live in the Barrington, East Dundee, Algonquin or Lake Of The Hills IL, and you can begin creating the perfect kitchen or bath for your home!