subject: Surviving a Kitchen Renovation [print this page] Surviving a Kitchen Renovation Surviving a Kitchen Renovation
You'll realize how essential your kitchen was to your daily life when you're doing without it during a kitchen remodel. Yes, you may be eating out more, but that can get expensive (remember, you're also paying for the renovations!) and inconvenient. You still need a place to store and prepare food. In other words, you need a temporary kitchen.
You can put your temporary kitchen in any room that isn't affected by the renovation. Remember to stick as close as possible to a sink. A laundry room sink is best but a bathroom will do. Ask your contractor to help. Workmen can move the fridge for you and set up some of your old cabinets for temporary storage. You can use a piece of plywood for a countertop. If the room's floor is carpeted, cover it to avoid stains.
You will probably have to remove everything from your kitchen, so stock the temporary location with those pots, dishes, and flatware you will need. Some other essentials include a microwave and toaster oven, which can help you prepare food in the absence of an oven and cooktop. A hot plate is great to heat up soup and make pasta. If you have a freezer, cook meals before the kitchen renovation that you can later defrost in the microwave. A table and chairs also make a good addition. Plan on using the grill, which is a great substitute for the cooktop.
No matter how hard you try, a temporary kitchen is never quite the same as the real thing. Think through some strategies for when you really need to get out of the house. Read restaurant reviews; this is your chance to be adventurous with new cuisines! Alternatively, offer to cook a meal for friends if they will give you the use of their kitchen.
