Waiting for the Dust to Settle: What to Expect During a Kitchen Renovation

We recently started a kitchen renovation in Cary, NC.  I  love taking part in the planning, watching the demolition work begin, and ultimately witnessing the end of a great project.  Every phase brings the homeowners one step closer to their new kitchen.  We’ve just completed the demo phase,  and I have some advice for anyone about to enter the renovation realm.  It’s going to get messy. Really messy.  We take precautions to contain the dust and debris to the construction area as much as possible, but this is still a major transition for a home.  Knowing what to expect can make the process much easier.

Keeping the End in Mind

The planning and design phase is exciting. Floorplans are finalized, cabinetry is designed, materials are selected and deposits for order are placed.  You’re staring at the architectural renderings imagining the finished space.

Then demolition begins.

With lots of banging, beating, and the sound of a compressor and nail gun that only a contractor can love.  Suddenly,  the kitchen you’ve known is gone. For those who are able to move out during their remodel project, it can still be quite shocking to see the amount of debris and dust.  For the strong ones that live on site, this becomes their routine for a while.   Either way, remember to keep the end in mind and look back at your kitchen plans and renderings….OFTEN.

Expect a Few Surprises

Every remodeling project involves an existing home. Once demo begins, we occasionally find things that couldn’t be seen during the design phase.  And of course we have some “huh, that was an interesting way of doing things” finds that were left for us by projects past.  These discoveries may require adjustments to windows and doors, re-configuring cabinet details, or adjusting other elements of the original plan as needed.  However, having the designer as the builder makes it easier to brainstorm these unknowns and determine the best solution.  Many times the unexpected condition leads Richard to stumble upon a great specialty feature that is completely unique and becomes one of our favorite details in the space.

Watching the Design Unfold

When the dust has finally settled we are left with something exciting: a blank canvas.   You begin envisioning that one of a kind designer island or can finally see how much natural light is brought in by the new or enlarged windows.   What WAS is no longer there. You only have the black and white plans in your hand, a vision in your mind and a new awesome kitchen or bathroom ahead of you.

A renovation is not all sunshine and roses.  There sill be dust, noise, decisions, and maybe a few surprises along the way. But thanks to careful planning with your design-build remodeler, you can take a deep breath (maybe with a mask) and relax while waiting for the renovation to unfold.