Preparing for a Remodel

Preparations for your family

1. Plan to eat out often. Make a list of all those restaurants you've been meaning to try. When the microwave gets old, your list will come in handy for a quick escape! During the remodeling, tell the kids you're picnicking.  Use paper plates & napkins as well as disposable silverware.
2. Plan on what to do with your pets. If there isn't an area in your home to keep them safely away from construction, especially during certain phases - it maybe a perfect time to treat your pet to a vacation at the kennel or a play date at a friend's home.
3. Pack up the kitchen, bath or master suite before the remodel. Everything needs to be removed from cabinets, and furnishings must be moved out of the area.  Try not to wait until the last minute. It's a great time to "spring clean" your shelves. Label the storage boxes well to make unpacking easier.  Items that are fragile should be marked accordingly and stored in an area away from the construction.  For a bathroom remodel, pack as if you were going on a trip - remember to take the curling iron and hair dryer!
4. Spend some time in your old kitchen before the remodel, making your family's favorite recipes to put in the freezer. We promise you...you'll thank yourself later!
5. Select your temporary kitchen area outside of the area where the remodeling is being done.  It's great if you have space to temporarily move everything you need...except the kitchen sink! Be sure to consider where your "water source" will be in relation to your temporary kitchen. Here's what you'll need to move to the temporary area:

• Refrigerator
• Microwave
• Freezer - stocked with microwavable meals!
• Coffee Maker -with filters and coffee close at hand!
• Utility utensils, such as can opener, bottle/wine opener, sharp knives, and microwavable dishes
• Toaster
• Basics like butter, salt & pepper, favorite spices
• Dining area/table
• Cleaning supplies and dishtowels

Preparations for your home

1. Remodeling is a dusty job. We make every effort to control dust, but there will be some dust in your home. We suggest that you replace your furnace filter frequently during and immediately following the installation.  Protect sensitive items from dust. If you have a fish tank or sensitive electrical equipment in close proximity to the work, remember to keep them well-covered!  
   NOTE: Countertop remodel?  You should remove everything in your base cabinets and drawers.  Removing old countertops and installing new ones is always a bit dusty.
2. Select a safe, dry place to store new cabinets and appliances as they are delivered. A garage is usually a good location.
3. Examine adjoining rooms that have wall areas common and adjacent to the project area.  Vibrations can damage hanging pictures and other items.  Remove any items that might be damaged and keep them out of the area until the job is completed.
4. Allow the project workers to park as close as possible to the construction area.
5. Locate the main water shutoff and main electrical circuit panel.  Make sure there is free access to these areas, as your project may require cutting off these utilities for periods of time.  A shutoff period should not exceed eight hours.
6. After the project is finished, we suggest that you contact your insurance company to discuss adequate coverage for the newly-completed construction in your home.