Knowing how to live in a house during a kitchen remodel can be difficult, but we’re here to help. In this article, we will discuss if you can still use your kitchen when it’s being renovated, how to set up a temporary kitchen, and provide you with tips on how to stay comfortable while the renovations are happening.

Key Takeaways

You can still use your kitchen depending on the scope of renovations
Planning for a partial kitchen renovation can help you maintain access to your kitchen
Set up a temporary kitchen in your home when you cannot use your existing kitchen
Stay comfortable during the renovation by protecting your furniture and keeping a clear line of communication open with your contractor
It makes sense to move out when you cannot access your kitchen and are unable to set up a temporary kitchen

Can You Still Use Your Kitchen During Renovation?

Depending on the scope of your project, you will still be able to use your kitchen during the renovation process. It is important to plan ahead though; talk to your contractor about the project’s timeline so that you know exactly when each phase of the renovation is happening and what parts of the kitchen will be available during that time.

Planning a Partial Kitchen Renovation

A partial kitchen renovation is the best way to renovate a kitchen without losing access to it. When planning a partial kitchen renovation, you can decide what parts of the space you want to update in a way that will still allow you to use the kitchen while the renovation takes place.

From changing the flooring and painting the walls to installing new cabinets and countertops, there are so many options for creating a new kitchen that don’t involve completely stripping it and changing the layout.

Tips to Stay Comfortable During the Reno

Knowing how to live in a house during a kitchen remodel is critical to your comfort.

These tips help you stay comfortable during renovations:

Kitchen remodels produce a lot of dust, so it’s a good idea to cover your furniture when not in use. It’s also a good idea to consider putting a barrier between the kitchen and the rest of your house to further contain the dust from the remodel. This can be done by hanging a tarp or sheet between the doorways.

For convenience and peace of mind, you don’t have to cook every meal. Plan to take cooking breaks to make it easier on yourself. Budget for take-out or going to restaurants. Some restaurant meals are large enough that you can have leftovers. There are also a variety of pre-made meals from grocery stores that you can get.

Having clear, open lines of communication with your contractor will help reduce any stress or anxiety you may feel about the remodel and ensure that you are always aware of what’s going on.

As much as you can plan for every circumstance, unexpected events may occur. It’s important to stay flexible and adaptable in the face of any unforeseen circumstances, especially when it may cause your living situation to change temporarily.

Renovations can be noisy and chaotic. Designate a quiet zone in your home—such as a bedroom, office, or den—where you can retreat to read, relax, or take calls without construction distractions. Make it a no-construction zone to help preserve some normalcy in your daily routine.

Setting Up a Temporary Kitchen During the Reno

Sometimes it’s not feasible to use your kitchen while renovations are taking place. Then you need to set up a temporary kitchen.

The steps to setting up a temporary kitchen are detailed below:

Your temporary kitchen should be near water and an electrical outlet, but away from the kitchen area to avoid the dust from construction and people constantly walking in and out. It’s also best to be in a place without carpet as it will be difficult to clean up spills otherwise.

You’ll need access to water for cooking and cleaning. If your temporary kitchen is not near a sink, you can use a plastic bin to collect dirty dishes and transport them to the nearest water source or have a wash basin on hand.

Your dining table can serve as your temporary countertop, but make sure to protect it before using it, such as covering it if you’ll be placing small appliances like a microwave on it. As for storage, you’ll have to access kitchen essentials while using a temporary kitchen. A convenient type of storage would be bins on wheels that can be rolled out of the way when not needed.

The right appliances and tools can make your use of a temporary kitchen simple and effective, such as a microwave, electric kettle, toaster oven, glass measuring cup, and microwave-safe dishes and containers. A mini fridge is also very helpful if you cannot move your existing fridge out of the kitchen.

Using disposable dishes and cutlery will save time and effort on cleanup. Disposable dishes don’t have to be plastic either; there are biodegradable and compostable options to remain environmentally-friendly. If you don’t want disposable dishes, make sure to keep only a small supply of 2 sets for each family member to reduce cleaning time.

When Moving Out Makes More Sense

If your renovations make it so that you cannot access your kitchen for an extended period of time and you are unable to set up a temporary kitchen during the remodel anywhere in your home, it’s time to think about moving out until your kitchen is usable again.

If you have the budget for a rental home or extended-stay hotel, it makes more sense to go somewhere with a functioning kitchen/kitchenette than staying where you are.

Final Thoughts

Throughout this article, we’ve discussed whether you can use your kitchen during renovation, how to set up a temporary kitchen, tips for staying comfortable, and when it makes sense to move out while renovations are taking place. At R&M Bath and Kitchen, with over 20 years of experience, we’re here for all your kitchen remodeling needs. Contact us today to begin planning your remodel and get a free quote!

Can You Renovate a Kitchen Without Losing Access to It?

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