Ideas For Kitchen Renovation DIY

Our major kitchen demo has started!

And living in a DIY kitchen remodel definitely is not for Sissies!

BUT…

I’ve got some great ideas for making the transition just a little smoother

if you’re thinking about living in a DIY kitchen remodel too.

So here are my top 9 ideas for a kitchen renovation DIY:

1. PURGE EVERYTHING YOU DON’T NEED OR USE

Now’s the time to get rid of any expired food, chipped dishes and appliances you don’t use. Store your good dishes, crystal glasses and turkey platters in a safe place.

2. SET UP TEMPORARY STORAGE

Use metro carts, armoires, or bookshelves as temporary pantries and places to store everyday items like dry goods and dishes.

We’re using an uninstalled cabinet for our dishes right now.

3. USE YOUR FULL-SIZE FRIDGE

Move your regular refrigerator to a location that’s close to the kitchen. You’re going to need a full-sized refrigerator while you’re remodeling!

4. YOUR MICROWAVE, SLOW COOKER AND INSTANT POT ARE GOING TO BE YOUR BEST FRIENDS

Make sure you have your microwave in a convenient, accessible place. You’re going to want to make quick and easy meals while you’re under construction. Check out this post HERE for some great, easy meal ideas.

5. WAIT UNTIL THE VERY LAST MINUTE BEFORE DEMO

I know it’s tempting to want to take a sledgehammer to those ugly cabinets, countertops and walls right now, but try to wait as long as possible before you do.

Wait until you have your cabinets, appliances, lighting and other elements on site and they’re ready to install before you tear anything out because you only want to live with the inconvenience of being without a functioning kitchen for as short a time as possible.

This may mean that you’re going to have to store some things for a little while until everything has arrived and is ready to install. Especially now with supply chain issues, it may be months before your refrigerator arrives or your cabinets are finished. (We had to delay finishing our cabinets a couple of months ago because the paint store was completely out of paint and didn’t know when they would be getting any more in!)

6. TEAR OUT THE OLD STUFF AND INSTALL THE NEW STUFF IN STAGES

Because we’re doing all the work ourselves, we’ve been able to be really strategic about the timing of everything.

The first cabinet we (Mr. Redoux) built was the island. When it was finished and painted, we tore out the old island cabinet and installed the new one. Then we put the old countertop and cooktop on the new cabinet.

So now we’ll have a stove to cook on for the duration of the remodel.

And our pots and pans are stored in the drawers so they’re right there when we need them.

Pretty convenient, right?

Even if you’re not building your cabinets yourself, you can still install them in stages. You’ll just need to store them until you’re ready to install each one.

7. SET UP A TEMPORARY SINK

I know a lot of people use their bathroom sink or bathtub to wash dishes,

but that seems really inconvenient especially if it’s going to be for any length of time.

And we considered putting a utility sink in the garage but that’s where the table saw and router and other tools are all set up and it just would be too messy and sawdust-y out there.

And then Mr. Redoux has this genius idea:

This is the not-yet-renovated primary bath vanity area.

The room is about 5 1/2 feet wide

and the perfect size to set up a temporary kitchen!

So we tore out the old vanity and built a temporary counter.

We used the old kitchen sink and faucet.

AND

we installed the old dishwasher, garbage disposal and drinking water filter system!

I feel a little spoiled to have all this convenience when some renovators are washing dishes in the bathroom sink and setting them on their toilet to dry. (I actually saw that on someone’s post!).

But before you start to think that I have it made in the shade there is a little caveat —

this perfect temporary kitchen is 24 steps from the real kitchen (yes, I counted them!)

so it is a little inconvenient

but I can put up with anything if it’s temporary.

8. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED WHERE YOU NEED IT

Have all the supplies you need near the sink. Keep dish soap, dish brushes, towels, hand soap, paper towels within reach so you don’t have to go hunting stuff down when you need it.

Having everything you need at your fingertips will help to keep your level of frustration down.

And there’s already enough frustration when it comes to living in a remodel!

So we’re on our way to our new kitchen!

It’s going to be a slow process

but it’s going to be great

when it’s all done!

Which brings me to tip number…

9. KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE PRIZE

Stay focused on the end result.

Try not to let everyday inconveniences and frustrations get the better of you!

Revisit your original inspiration pictures and renderings often to keep your vision fresh in your mind.

Remember that this is only temporary!

That’s what I keep telling myself…

Prov. 14:1