Kitchen Remodel, Part 1 – Which ‘Seasons’ are Best?

There are many DIY remodeling projects that can be done in a relatively short amount of time.  However, the work involved with a major Kitchen remodel project generally requires more than just a couple of weeks, and in some instances, will take several months to plan, demo, execute, and complete.  I have always felt that, especially for a homeowner, the best time of year for living with a temporary makeshift Kitchen is between early Spring to late Summer.  For some areas, because the weather is usually better and there are longer daylight hours to work during that time of year.  But in the South, especially here in Louisiana, there are actually other ‘seasons’ besides Fall and Winter that have an effect on the construction schedule of a Kitchen remodeling project.

MyCampKitchen ProCamper Hero (Source)

Around here, Football season and Hunting season can sometimes be more of a concern than the weather when it comes to coordinating the installation of new cabinets, flooring, and plumbing fixtures.  Chances are higher that every weekend from September through January, if your contractor (or interior designer) is not somewhere at a camp in the woods or out hunting in the marsh, he (or she) is probably tailgating or getting ready to watch a football game.

Monogrammed camouflaged cap

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Fall means football in the south

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So, especially if you live in a southern state, mid-to-late January is typically a better time to start any construction work on a major interior Kitchen remodel project.  But no matter where you live, hold off on any demo and endure your existing Scullery a few months longer.  You will certainly enjoy having a fully functional Kitchen during the upcoming holidays, rather than entertaining in the midst of sheetrock dust!

Baking in the Kitchen

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 In the meantime, start now with planning, preparing, packing, and also purchasing as many project specific items ahead of time, before the Kitchen remodel begins.  Tis the season to shop around and get some really good deals on items and materials during end-of-the-year sales.  Even if your floor plan layout is complete, all selections of new appliances, cabinetry, countertops, backsplash, plumbing fixtures, lighting, flooring, and paint colors need to be made, and should be completed, before any demolition or reconstruction begins.  Review the list of new materials and items that should be onsite and readily available for the General Contractor when his subs start their work.  Check on the lead times and ordering process for these building materials, too.  Your project schedule will run smoother if your electrician is not standing on a ladder waiting on you to frantically run to the store at the last minute to purchase light fixtures because he is ready to install them.

Kitchen Window Ceiling Light

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Speaking of the project schedule, if your kitchen is going to be a complete tear out job, at a minimum, your remodel will be at least 8 weeks, and possibly longer than that.  Also, be sure to find out ahead of time what permits, such as plumbing and electrical, are necessary for a major Kitchen renovation project.  Getting a ‘stop work’ order from the local permit department is a real bummer and can wreak havoc on your project schedule, not to mention your budget (no fines, please!).  Expect the unexpected, and hope that you do not run into any ‘unforeseen conditions’ during the course of the renovation.

Julia Child Quote

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Are you going to stay in your house during the kitchen remodel?  That will determine if you need to have a makeshift kitchen.  Before you start emptying out any cabinets or the pantry, and certainly prior to any demolition work, think about and plan how you are going to set up and organize a temporary kitchen.  Especially if your budget does not allow eating out every day, you will need organized space(s) designated for a small dining area, preparing and cooking food, a clean-up area for washing, temporary storage for food, basic cooking necessities, cutting boards, and a few essential tools.

Dining Table in a Corner

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Kitchen Food Prep Counter

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Food Prep Cooking Counter

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Clean-up area for washing

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Temporary Makeshift Pantry

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Wall-hung Ikea Grundtal Shelving

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Simple Place Settings

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Organized Essential Kitchen Utensils

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And, consider using disposable everything.  Stock up on recyclable or biodegradable plastic plates, cups, napkins, paper towels, and utensils.  Plan to picnic, even indoors when the weather is not great.

 Plan a Picnic

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In a follow-up post, we will talk about where to set up a temporary makeshift kitchen, and other work areas that need to be designated for the duration of the construction.  Have you ever started a kitchen renovation project during a bad time of year?  Feel free to share your experiences and words of wisdom!

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  1. […] set up a makeshift kitchen anywhere in your home, keep in mind…Location, Location, Location!  In our previous post, we talked about what ‘season’ is the best time for a kitchen remodel, especially if you live […]

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