Surviving a Kitchen Reno: A Guide to Keeping Your Cool

You’ve decided to take the plunge and remodel your kitchen—get ready for some dust, noise, and a lot of takeout! While the end result will be worth it, the journey can be a bit rough. Don’t worry, though—this guide, packed with expert advice, will help you get through the chaos without losing your cool.

Planning Before the Reno Starts

Before the first tool hits the countertop, it’s all about planning. Did you know that, according to Statista, 45% of Canadian homeowners planned to renovate their homes in 2022, with kitchen renovations being the most popular choice? If you’re joining this group, it’s important to set realistic timelines. Your new kitchen isn’t going to be ready overnight—expect delays and leave room for surprises.

Renovation experts like Bryan Baeumler recommend: “Always budget at least 20% more for unexpected issues. When you start opening up walls, you never know what you’ll find.” This is important as the average kitchen renovation in Canada costs between $20,000 to $50,000, depending on the scope (HomeStars). Having some extra funds set aside can save you a lot of stress later.

Next, talk with your contractor and family about schedules, noise, and the mess ahead. Clear communication from the start will set the tone and ensure that everyone in the family is prepared.

Setting Up Your Temporary Kitchen

While your main kitchen is out of action, you’ll need a backup plan. Pick a spot far from the reno zone, like the basement or a corner of the living room. A few small appliances—a microwave, toaster oven, kettle, and mini-fridge—can help you get by.

Meal planning is key here. Keep it simple with easy-to-make foods like sandwiches, pasta, or slow-cooker meals. According to Dr. Katie Bowers, a Canadian psychologist specializing in stress management: “During renovations, maintain a routine to keep stress levels down. Having a temporary kitchen setup can help provide stability for families.” Stock up on paper plates and disposable cutlery to save on washing dishes. And hey, there’s nothing wrong with a little extra takeout or frozen dinners!

Keeping Life on Track

Even when your kitchen’s under construction, try to stick to some routines. If you can, schedule the loudest work for times you’re out of the house. Keeping the rest of your home clean and dust-free with quick daily tidies can help keep the chaos contained.

Make sure you’ve got the essentials in easy-to-reach places: medications, important papers, and yes, your favourite coffee mug. If you work from home, set up a space away from the noise. A good pair of headphones might be your best friend!

Dealing with Noise and Dust

Renovations are noisy; there’s no way around it. You can try adding sound blankets or even heavy curtains to help keep the noise down. Dust is also a big problem—use plastic sheets to close off the work area and cover air vents. An air purifier or a good vacuum will help keep things manageable.

Family Time: Keeping the Peace

Renovations can be stressful for everyone. Make sure there are “quiet zones” in your home where family members can take a break from the noise. Plan a few outings or trips so that everyone can spend some time outside and away from the dust. This is especially helpful given that the average timeline for a kitchen remodel can take several weeks.

Regular check-ins with the family can help keep things running smoothly. Remind everyone that this mess is temporary and that you’ll soon have a shiny, new kitchen to enjoy together.

Expect the Unexpected

Renos rarely go exactly as planned. You might find old plumbing issues or problems with the electrical. Renovating, especially the kitchen, can definitely increase the value of your home but you should also be prepared for surprises. Have some extra money set aside for these surprises and be ready to change plans if needed.

Don’t Forget to Take Care of Yourself

It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos, but it’s important to take some time for yourself, too. Keep up with things that relax you—like a quick walk, reading, or a favourite TV show. Taking care of yourself helps you stay calm, even when things don’t go as planned. Dr. Katie Bowers suggests trying simple stress management techniques like meditation or yoga to keep your mind at ease.

CONCLUSION

As your renovation wraps up, start cleaning and setting up your new space. Take your time putting everything back—think of it as a chance to organize things in a way that works best for you. And remember, kitchen renovations can increase a home’s resale value by up to 15%, according to Re/Max Canada. This makes all the temporary inconvenience worth it in the long run.

If you’re ready to start your own kitchen renovation, 1364 Services offers trusted local Canadian contractors who can bring your vision to life. Contact us today to turn the kitchen of your dreams into a reality!