Once you have settled on the perfect kitchen design, hired a good remodeling contractor, and set up your budget, it’s time for the contractor to tear your old kitchen apart and start installing your beautiful new kitchen!  It’s an exciting time, but also a messy, inconvenient time.  Unlike on television, a major kitchen remodeling project will not be completed in an hour or even a weekend.

Your remodeling contractor will be able to give you a more accurate estimate, but depending on the scope of your remodeling project, plan on being “kitchenless” for at least several weeks while your contractor gets the job done.

Work with your contractor to minimize your kitchen downtime.  Try to put off demolition until most of the new fixtures and materials have been delivered.  Special order items like custom cabinets can take weeks for delivery and there is no sense in getting started until they have been delivered or at least until they are nearing the delivery date.

The easiest way to deal with living without your kitchen is to take a vacation or move into a nearby hotel for a while.  Unfortunately, moving into a hotel or going on vacation is not a practical or cost effective solution for most people.  However, you may be able to schedule the renovation to coincide at least partially with a vacation or a visit with family members.  Just a few days away from the mess and inconvenience of the renovation can provide a welcome “sanity” break.

During the time that you will be living with the remodeling project, you will probably be eating out a lot or living on take out or delivery food.  You can cut down on eating out by creating a “mini-kitchen” with a microwave, coffee pot, toaster, and small refrigerator in whatever space you can find such as an extra bedroom or a corner of the living room.  You may be able to temporarily put your old refrigerator in a garage or other area so you can use it during the remodeling. In addition, this may be a good time to consider brushing up on your grilling skills.

No matter how inconvenient, remember that your remodeling project will be done in a few weeks and you will be able to enjoy your new kitchen for years to come.