How to Keep Stress at Bay During Your Kitchen Remodel

You’ve measured out your space, finalized the plans with your designer, and ordered the glossy countertops and the high-quality yet affordable kitchen cabinets that you you’ve always wanted. Now that you’ve done the legwork of your kitchen remodel, you can sit back and relax while everything is put into place, right?

Well, not exactly. While you’ve done the legwork to prepare, another hurdle lies ahead: coping with not having a functional kitchen for several weeks. If you’re wondering how you’ll stay sane amidst plywood, drilling, and microwavable meals, you’ve come to the right place. To keep stress at bay during your remodel, take a few deep breaths – and follow these six simple steps!

1. Wave goodbye to cooking. Unless you have an accommodating neighbor or friend, chances are that you won’t have an accessible stove or oven for a few weeks. So, hold off on those fancy meals that you had planned until your remodel is complete; in the meantime, you’ll have to make do with canned goods, as well as dried fruit, nuts, and other easily preservable snacks. Prepare for a lot of cold or microwavable meals!
2. Don’t bust the budget. Tempted by the latest induction stove? Or looking to upgrade your affordable kitchen cabinets to a slicker model? It’s easy to believe that the grass is always greener on the other side, but you certainly won’t think so when your decisions break the bank. The key to a successful, stress-free remodel is having a clear budget and adhering to it.
3. Communicate clearly and often. To avoid unpleasant surprises, be sure to discuss your vision with your contractor and designer well in advance. If they come back with amendments or additions that are unclear to you, don’t be afraid to ask follow-up questions: after all, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
4. Make a checklist. From measuring out your space to choosing good-quality yet affordable kitchen cabinets and appliances, a remodel is sure to put your organizational skills to the test. To ensure that you’re on top of the installations, budget, and approximate timeline, take the time to make a detailed list of your requirements. It’s worth sharing this checklist with your designer and contractor to confirm that you’re on the same page.
5. Prepare for tension. Household spats are normal, and are especially likely to occur when unrest is in the air. While your remodel is underway, keep in mind that its chaotic nature may cause tension or disagreements to arise among family members – and try to circumvent a few of them by arranging more dinners out, activities outdoors, such as walks and bike rides, and play dates at friends’ houses for the kids.
6. Keep your head up. In other words, keep calm and remodel on! It’s easy to get restless or frustrated when a large-scale project disrupts your homelife, particularly if you hit a few roadblocks along the way. But if you keep the long-term benefits of your remodel in mind, the commotion will pass a lot more smoothly. Just remember that you’ll be enjoying the top-notch yet affordable kitchen cabinets, countertops, and appliances that you’ve been dreaming of in a few short weeks!

While the words "remodel" and "stress" are often used in the same sentence, transforming your kitchen into your ideal space is undoubtedly worth the time and effort. By accepting the short-term chaos and using this six-step approach, you’ll be well on your way to minimizing stress and maximizing enthusiasm throughout the process.

About the Author

Caroline Krogh-Jensen is a co-founder of BauBox, a manufacturer of high-quality yet affordable kitchen cabinets based in California. With over a decade of experience in the furniture industry, she has built up an outstanding reputation for helping her clients design that exceed their highest expectations, always striking the perfect balance between comfort and class.

Annie Taylor is a writer and consultant, commuting between London and San Francisco.