7 Ways to Staying Sane During a Kitchen Remodel

Hatfield (now Alair Homes- Plano) Builders and Remodelers has been servicing the Dallas area and surrounding towns with high-quality, modern remodels and additions since 2005. And, we’d like to think we have some pretty solid answers to the more common questions or concerns that people have when setting out on one of these projects. If a fear of inconvenience is what’s holding you back from starting your kitchen remodel, this post is for you.

Living without use of the kitchen while you’re having yours remodeled can seem stressful, but it’s also a bit of an adventure. The best way to tackle the setup is in advance, not the day the project begins. And be thoughtful and creative while you get through it.

How to Avoid Losing Your Mind While Remodeling Your Kitchen

Take these simple steps to relocate necessities and make the most of the time spent creating the kitchen of your dreams.

Relocate the Essentials

You might be surprised at how functional other rooms of your home can be. Living rooms and game rooms that are out of the way of the remodel may be the best spaces for the site of a temporary kitchen. But even if it’s a foyer or dining room, choose a room (preferably near or on the same level of the house as the kitchen) to serve as home base for all things “kitchen.” Make sure it has electrical outlets (or bust out the extension cords), counter space (even a folding table will do), and has a sink or is sink-adjacent (like near a bathroom).

We would recommend getting your refrigerator and microwave to this area and setting up shop!  If you can’t relocate your old fridge to this new space, consider bringing in an under-counter one (you can find inexpensive ones at local hardware stores, or splurge on a nice one you can use later in a home bar area).  Hatfield (now Alair Homes- Plano) Builders is going to do its best to keep the dust to a minimum in the rest of your home by using our livable remodeling solutions.

Treat Yourself to Take-Out

It might seem super-obvious, but now’s a great time to check out what’s new at your favorite local restaurants. We recommend putting a small budget aside in advance toward dining out, which can be pricier than cooking at home. If you have the cash and menus stashed, this will feel more like a treat than a burden.

Our owners, Chad and Diane are big fans of DoorDash which is a food delivery service that will (for a nominal fee) pick up and deliver food from hundreds of restaurants across town.  It is super simple to use and worth it to not have to drive to a crowded intersection in rush hour to pick up your favorite Mexican food!  However, if you’ll have access to a freezer during your remodel, you can also cook a bunch of stuff in advance to reheat while you’re kitchen-less.

Stock Up in Advance

Pasta, beans, pretzels, peanut butter, and other protein-rich non-perishables are key while you’re undergoing a home remodel. Try and be organized when purchasing and reach for things that work well and easily together. Protein bars, granola bars and/or cereal that the family doesn’t require milk for are obvious ones for noshing on-the-go. Consider swapping your favorite munchies for lentil chips or flax seed crackers that have more nutritional content for snacking that truly satisfies.

Also, make sure you get plenty of paper plates and plastic cutlery to eliminate the stress of dirty dishes without a kitchen sink and/or dishwasher on hand. You’ll forgive yourself for this temporary non-green transition once Hatfield (now Alair Homes- Plano) has put in your energy-efficient new appliances in the new kitchen!

Get Creative with Small Appliances

Panini makers are fairly inexpensive and exceedingly useful during a remodel. Slow cookers and rice cookers are also great with an ability to cook an entire meal in one pot.  Here are some recipe ideas that look delicious.  We love those SlowCooker liners you can get that prevent you from having to scrub!   You might be surprised how much you can make in a toaster oven. From frittatas to chicken parm, this little wonder appliance gets the job done.

Additionally, break out the blender which can be used for smoothies, protein shakes, and frozen cocktails because who doesn’t need an excuse for that? We know a family who actually discovered post-remodel that they preferred keeping their toaster oven and blender in a pantry near the kitchen; you never know what might come of your temporary adventure in creative cooking.

When in Doubt, Grill It

Take advantage of warmer months (and be grateful you live in Texas, where most of the year is temperate). Get grilling and your family can enjoy fresh, delicious, homemade meals even without your usual prep techniques. Grilling is so much more than BBQ—though that’s always a good idea—check out food blogs for creative ideas and recipes. This past summer, we did grilled shrimp Caesar salad boats which were a huge hit with the family. Get that recipe here.

Dine Al Fresco

Don’t just cook outdoors — enjoy your meals out there, too. Picnicking is romantic if it’s just you and your partner. Throw kids in the mix and you have an instant party. You might be drained of energy, but have fun with your outdoor meal planning. Pack the food up in a basket and set up blankets on the lawn. In need of a change of scenery? Head to a local park or even your neighbor’s deck with a basket of wine, cheese, and bread in tow.

And speaking of neighbors, now would be a good time to “phone a friend” and ask for a meal swap. Make sure they know that in exchange for one (or a few!) dinner hookups from them, you’ll get them back with some delicious meals in the new kitchen soon.

Let It Go

We have a feeling a certain Disney tune is crossing your mind right now, but seriously, y’all, this is a time to let it all go. If you’re a big control freak or just someone who likes their routine, take a deep breath and remember this is temporary. And so, so worth it. When you see your new kitchen for the first time, you’ll know that!

In the meantime, make the most of this time of takeout and protein shakes. If being near the chaos stresses you out, plan fun, free activities the family (and pets!) can do together nearby, like walks at the park or even the mall. Ignore the mess as best you can, because soon your kitchen will be the sanctuary you’ve so earned.

Call the Hatfield (now Alair Homes- Plano) Team for Your Kitchen Remodeling Needs

If you think you might be up for the challenge of trying to stay sane while we remodel your outdated Plano kitchen, or during your Richardson home remodel, call Hatfield (now Alair Homes- Plano) Builders & Remodelers at 214-281-8800! We’ll take that faded wallpaper and dated linoleum and transform your space into an elegant and functional room that you can truly enjoy. Outdated cabinets? Limited storage? No problem. Our design experts will work with you to create a one-of-a-kind space you and your family can enjoy for many years to come.

Ready to start designing your dream kitchen (without losing your mind in the process)? Contact us online today!