Surviving a Kitchen Remodel

You can live without a lot of things, but a kitchen? The idea probably gives you hives. If you’re picturing yourself heating your food over a campfire in a makeshift kitchen, fear not! A little planning can ensure you have the kitchen of your dreams without having to live like an early pioneer. It will be worth it: Kitchen renovations are one of the top ways to increase your home value.

Tips for Living Through a Kitchen Remodel

Protect Your Surfaces

Even the best remodel requires some dirt and grime! Map out where contractors will enter and exit. If you’re concerned about damage to your flooring or furniture, you may want to put down carpet scraps, old rugs or plastic drop cloths.

Create a Temporary Kitchen

What about cooking during a kitchen remodel? You still have to eat! Before you begin the renovation, create a temporary kitchen space. Ideally, you’ll have a spot in your house that has a sink, like a utility or laundry room. But you may need to get creative; a corner of your garage or your basement could also work. Make sure you have a work surface where you can prep your food, storage for your food and necessary appliances. Which leads us to….

Choose Your Appliances Wisely

What will you need to survive your kitchen remodel? If you don’t have a second stove, think like a college student. Microwaves and crock pots — items that don’t take up a lot of space — will be your friends during a kitchen renovation. If using a full-size refrigerator won’t be an option, find a mini-fridge. While it may take you back to your college dorm days, it can come in handy. If your kitchen reno includes upgrading to new appliances, consider Residential Equipment Breakdown coverage, an add-on that protects against mechanical failure or electrical breakdown in appliances. 

Store What You Don’t Need

Also, decide what tools and appliances you’ll really need. The citrus zester and the bulky KitchenAid mixer can probably go into storage until you have full use of your finished kitchen again. Remember, living through a kitchen remodel is all about the essentials: utensils, microwaveable bowls and, if you run on caffeine, a coffee maker.

Stock Your Pantry

Have limited space for perishable items? Turn to pre-packaged or canned foods when possible. Vegetables, pastas and snacks are easy to store, have a long shelf life and don’t require refrigeration. Having these on hand can help ease the burden of not having access to a full kitchen.

Be Ready for Anything

Keep in mind that a home renovation can sometimes reveal other issues, such as leaks or foundation issues. That’s not a reason to be fearful, but it is a good reason to be prepared for unknown factors during a remodel. Plus, did you know that a kitchen remodel — or any home remodeling project, for that matter — could make a difference in your insurance?

We Can Help

If you want to be super-sure that you have the right coverages in place, talk to your local Farm Bureau agent about scheduling a SuperCheck®. By regularly checking in on the changes in your life, your Farm Bureau agent can help you make sure that your property, your family and your future are protected.