Turning Your Ugly Kitchen Duckling Into a Swan
Any kind of big renovation is disruptive, frustrating and eventually very stressful, especially if it has to do with the kitchen. Being the most important part of your home, the kitchen requires the most attention, and of course, will need to be kept updated as well. But we all know that when the kitchen shuts down, so does the home! In order to get through remodeling your kitchen, you’ll need to know the reno guidelines, as well as some awesome alternatives that you can put into place during the time you’re having that space redone.
 
Depending on how extensive the work is, you’ll need anywhere between 6-20 weeks to complete the project. The time frame will depend on how much you’re getting done, and what kind of materials are being used. The good news is, that although the entire process might take a while, the actual disruption to your kitchen won’t be as long.
 
Here are the first steps of a major kitchen renovation with a roughly estimated timeline:

1. Meet with a remodeling consultant and get proposal  – 1 week.
2. Finalize the scope of the project and the terms of a Remodeling Agreement – 2 to 3 weeks.
3. Select all the materials for the project – 1 to 4 weeks.
4. Materials are ordered and delivered – 4 to 8 weeks.
5. Demolition and removal of old materials and appliances – 1 week.
6. Installation of new materials and appliances, flooring, plumbing and electrical work, painting – 3 to 4 weeks.
7. Finishing touches and clean up – 1 to 2 weeks.

If you’re heading down the DIY road, then the process will take a little longer, and will require a lot more hard work on your end, but it’s still doable, you just have to make sure you do all your homework before you get started!
 
For all projects, make sure you’re prepared to face the storm. You should know that before it starts looking pretty, it will get a lot uglier! Plan to move out if you can, the best way to tackle a kitchen reno, is to get out of the way. If you can’t then you’ll have to find a way to have a make shift kitchen during the process. My expert advice is to do kitchen renos in the summer, that way you can use the BBQ grill more and not have to worry about using the kitchen as much for cooking! You’re also going to have to get used to a lot of take out, because even though you’ll have some access to cooking, it won’t be as easy as you think!
 
All renovations require a lot of patience, and a healthy dose of realistic attitude. Remember you’ll probably face a lot of speed bumps… just be prepared to take them on with a healthy approach. Don’t get overwhelmed. There’s a process to all of this, and you need to be aware of the problems that might occur. As long as you step into it with a plan in mind, you’ll be much happier when the new kitchen is ready!