Want a New Kitchen for the Holiday Season? Better Start Now!

Remodeling a kitchen is a major task, even at the best of times. It means weeks of take-out and paper plates, workmen and dust. The pay-off for all the upheaval is the kitchen of your dreams. At the very least, it’s a kitchen in which you can prepare a holiday meal for the extended family without wanting to scream. Though it seems far off, if you want your kitchen to be ready for the in-laws this holiday season, you need to start now.
 
Kitchen Remodeling Timeline:
 

• Week One (Say August 1) - The Planning Stages: Assess your kitchen with your family. Discuss what key features you want, the appliances you can keep, and aesthetic design ideas. Set a budget and meet with your banker if you need a loan.
• Weeks Two to Four (To end of August)- Meeting with the Designer: At this stage you can confidently discuss your needs, budget and tastes with your designer. Your designer can help lay out a plan, choose materials and colors. You should also discuss with your designer what permits will be necessary and interview general contractors. Note: If you are a little indecisive, this step may take longer.
• Weeks Five to Ten (month of September, possibly through October) - Preparing Your Kitchen: While waiting for your custom cabinetry, countertops and other items, begin packing up your kitchen. Whether you like it or not, you are going to have to pack the contents of your kitchen before the remodel can begin. If you have a spare sink in which you can wash dishes, keep out your daily set. Move your microwave to a convenient location for cooking or re-heating. Decide where you can move your refrigerator or if you will live out of ice chests. Everything else should be put in boxes out of the way. If you are planning on getting all new appliances, this may be a good time for a garage sale.
• Week Eleven (mid-October) - Demolition: This really shouldn’t take a week for a professional crew. However, given Murphy’s Law, it’s always good to factor in a little extra time.
• Weeks Twelve to Twenty (Through the beginning of December) - The Actual Build: Typical remodels take eight weeks from the time construction begins. Of course, this will vary depending on the extent of your remodel and the materials you choose.

 
All that’s left is to unpack those boxes and decorate your new space. If you start now, you should be ready to prepare your Holiday feast in your beautiful, new kitchen.