Preparing for Your Kitchen Renovation
RENOVATION SURVIVAL GUIDE:
SETTING UP A TEMPORARY KITCHEN
Kitchen renovation involves a number of steps from the strip out to installation. There is a temptation to overestimate how fast this will happen, but all quality renovations take time.
Some kitchen renovators are in the fortunate position of having either two kitchens in their home, or they are able to keep the existing kitchen while installing the new kitchen in an entirely separate location. If you are not in this position, it is a certainty that there will be a period of time when you are without a working kitchen.
As always, our designers can answer any and all questions you might have, get in touch to talk through your kitchen renovation process.
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First, carefully pack all items from your old kitchen, keeping aside the essentials listed below.
Microwave & electric kettle.
Minimal non-perishables like soup, condiments, cereal, tea, coffee, sugar, rice, pasta, etc.
Microwave-safe cooking dishes.
Bare minimum crockery, cutlery, cups & utensils (or disposable).
Dishcloths, paper towels, & garbage bags.
Plastic washing up basin.
Fridge/freezer or Esky/cooler.
BBQ outside for a little variation.
Portable electric hotplate or induction hotplate.
Pack all other non-essential kitchen items away in carefully labelled boxes ready to transfer to your new kitchen.
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A laundry room makes a great temporary kitchen. Separate food prep areas from dirty clothes & harmful detergents. Laundries are ideal because it is already a “wet” area, however, care must be taken due to the hazardous items that lurk within. Ensure you have enough storage space & access to running water.
Pack away laundry items that don’t require access for a short time – such as old towels, detergents that get intermittent use, etc.
Thoroughly clean & disinfect shelves & a bench area that will be used for food/utensil storage & prep – keep a strict separation of this area from detergents & dirty clothes during the period this area is to be used as a kitchen. Many germs can be spread by dirty laundry & laundry detergents & cleaning agents can be hazardous if ingested.
Set the microwave on a sturdy shelf or bench-top where it doesn’t wobble & will not fall.
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If a laundry is not an option for a temporary kitchen, another great option is a bookshelf or drawer unit. If your old kitchen was a reasonable quality – keep a portion of bench & cabinetry after the strip out to use as your temporary kitchen in a suitable location.
Place your temporary kitchen away from thoroughfares & renovation work.
Plan to do the dishes in a plastic basin, another sink, or the bathtub. If you will have very limited access to running water, use disposable plates & cups.
Move your old refrigerator, small mini-fridge, or Esky to a convenient space close to a water source.
Small appliances such as microwaves, toasters or toaster ovens, portable hot plates, slow cookers, & small electric grills will be immensely helpful in preparing home-cooked meals.
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Prior to the renovation, fill the freezer (providing you are keeping your fridge/freezer in the house during renovation) full of easily microwavable meals such as soups, stews, pasta sauces, and pies.
Learn how to microwave pasta, rice, and jacket potatoes for a simple but filling accompaniment to meals.
DUST – A RENOVATION CERTAINTY
Kitchen renovations will create dust. Prepare well for this by removing trinkets & treasures from dust’s way & keep the furniture covered with dust sheets.
No matter how careful tradespeople are, a kitchen renovation will create dust. Because some panels & timber bench tops may be scribed to the wall and/or floor on-site, the installer will need an area to use his saw.
Ensure the designated area is clear of potential breakages & is practical for this use. Tradesman will wear protective footwear & clothing as required by health & safety regulations, as a result, they are unable to work in socks.
To ease the cleaning burden, ask your Smith & Smith designer about our special anti-dust & professional cleaning package.
DESIGN TRENDS DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Our design experts have curated their favourite trends & need-to-knows when renovating your kitchen.