A kitchen remodel sounds great—until you realize it means weeks without a working stove, a fridge in the living room, and more takeout than you care to admit to ordering. The process can be messy, inconvenient, and disruptive, but with the right planning, you can keep your household running smoothly.
We’ve been through plenty of kitchen remodels, and we know what works (and what doesn’t). If you’re wondering how to survive a kitchen remodel, here’s what you need to know.
How Long Does a Kitchen Remodel Take?
A kitchen remodel isn’t a weekend project. If you’re asking, how long does a kitchen remodel take, the answer depends on the size and scope of the job.
A basic remodel with new cabinets and countertops could take six to eight weeks. A full renovation with layout changes and structural work? We estimate closer to three to four months.
And while we always aim to stay on schedule, unexpected delays happen. Custom cabinets take longer than expected. A surprise issue with plumbing or wiring adds time. Permits can slow things down. Planning for some flexibility from the start will make the process easier.
Set Up a Temporary Kitchen
If your kitchen is off-limits for a while, you’ll need a backup plan. Find a space—like a dining room, basement, or even a section of the living room—where you can set up a temporary kitchen.
You won’t be whipping up gourmet meals, but you’ll at least have a spot to prepare food, and it’ll make a big difference. Here’s what to include in your temporary kitchen:
- A mini fridge (or a spot in the garage for your full-sized one)
- A microwave, toaster oven, or air fryer
- A coffee maker (non-negotiable for most people)
- A portable cooktop or electric griddle
- Basic kitchen tools—cutting board, knife, a few plates and utensils
- A dishwashing station, whether it’s the bathroom sink or a tub for washing dishes
Stock up on easy-to-make meals, and if you have a grill, use it. You’ll be thankful for any cooking options that don’t require a microwave.
Stay Ahead of the Mess
Kitchen remodels kick up a lot of dust, and if you’re not prepared, it ends up everywhere. We do everything we can to control the mess, but taking a few extra precautions will help keep the rest of your home clean.
- Seal off the kitchen with plastic sheeting
- Cover nearby furniture to prevent dust buildup
- Close air vents in the construction zone to keep dust from circulating
- Set up an air purifier to keep the air quality in check
We also recommend moving anything valuable or fragile out of nearby areas. Even with careful planning, remodels involve a lot of movement—better safe than sorry.
Keep Meal Prep Simple
A kitchen remodel isn’t the time to test out new, complicated recipes. Stick to meals that require minimal ingredients and cleanup. Prepping food ahead of time helps, too.
- Freeze meals before construction starts. Soups, casseroles, and slow-cooked meats are great options.
- Stock up on ready-to-eat foods like salads, wraps, yogurt, and fruit.
- Use disposable plates and utensils if washing dishes is a hassle.
- Take advantage of small appliances like slow cookers and pressure cookers to make meals with less effort.
Remember, you’ll probably be ordering takeout more than usual. That’s completely fine. The goal is to make things as easy as possible until your kitchen is back up and running.
Stick to a Routine
A kitchen remodel throws off your normal schedule. You can’t cook as usual, your dining space might be a mess, and the noise can make it hard to focus. The best way to handle it? Keep things as normal as possible.
- Stick to regular mealtimes, even if it means eating in a different room.
- If construction noise is an issue, plan breaks away from the house.
- Find ways to keep things feeling like home—whether that’s a weekly family dinner out or a quiet corner where you can escape the chaos.
The more structure you maintain, the less overwhelming the whole process feels.
How to Live Through a Kitchen Remodel Without Losing Your Patience
The truth is, even with all the planning in the world, a kitchen remodel is still an adjustment. But keeping the big picture in mind makes it easier to understand how to live through a kitchen remodel.
Communicate with your contractor. At Rose Tree Construction, we keep you updated so you’re never left guessing. Be sure to plan for flexibility, too. Timelines shift, and small setbacks happen.
Keep your mind focused on the end result—yes, the process is inconvenient, but soon enough, you’ll have a brand-new kitchen to enjoy.
Budget for the Unexpected
Kitchen remodels come with surprises. Maybe there’s an issue with the electrical wiring. Perhaps an old pipe needs replacing. These things happen, and having a little extra in the budget helps.
A good rule of thumb is to set aside 10–20% of your total budget for unexpected costs. If you don’t need it, great. But if something comes up, you won’t have to stress about how to cover it.
Should You Stay or Go?
Some people live at home through the entire remodel. Others decide it’s easier to stay elsewhere, especially if the project is a major one. Here are a few things to consider:
- If you have kids or pets, the noise and disruption might be a lot to deal with.
- If you work from home, constant construction sounds can be a challenge.
- If your kitchen is part of a larger remodel, it might be easier to stay somewhere else for a while.
We work hard to keep disruption to a minimum, but if a temporary move makes sense, it’s worth considering.
How Rose Tree Construction Makes the Process Smoother
A kitchen remodel will make your home work better for you. And while the process can feel overwhelming, we do everything we can to make it as smooth as possible. Now that you know how to survive a kitchen remodel, it’s time to start planning.
Contact Rose Tree Construction today to schedule a consultation if you’re planning a kitchen remodel in Delaware County, Southern Montgomery County, or Eastern Chester County. We’re here to help.