Preparing for a Kitchen Remodel

At UBuildIt, we understand that a kitchen remodel is a big undertaking—and one of the best ways to breathe new life into your home. Whether you're updating for resale value, better functionality, or just a fresh new look, preparation is the key to keeping the process smooth and stress-free. With our URemodelIt program that will help throughout the entire remodel process and our UDesignIt program that provides plans for the kitchen of your dreams, our team will be there every step of the way. Before your remodel kicks off, here are five essential tips to help you and your home get ready.

How to Prepare Your Home for a Kitchen Remodel

#1 Set Up a Temporary Kitchen

Since your main kitchen will be out of commission during the remodel, it's important to carve out a temporary space where you can still prepare simple meals and snacks. A corner of the laundry room, garage, or basement often works well—any space with access to an outlet and, ideally, water. Bring in a few small appliances like a microwave, toaster oven, or coffee maker to handle the basics. If your refrigerator is being replaced, consider using a mini-fridge or cooler for perishable items.

You’ll also want to have some essential cooking tools nearby and a supply of non-perishable food items for quick access. To cut down on cleanup, it’s a good idea to stock up on disposable plates, utensils, and cups. Think of it like camping indoors—it won’t be glamorous, but it will make day-to-day life manageable during construction.

#2 Pack, Label, and Declutter

Before any demolition starts, it’s time to empty your kitchen completely. Take the time to pack your dishes, cookware, utensils, pantry staples, and small appliances into clearly labeled boxes so you can easily find things later. You might want to group items based on how frequently you use them, separating out everyday essentials like coffee mugs, kids' lunch gear, or your go-to skillet.

As you pack, treat this as a golden opportunity to declutter. Toss expired food, donate duplicate tools, and streamline your kitchenware. It’ll make unpacking in your new kitchen a lot more enjoyable. Don’t forget to keep one box of daily essentials easily accessible—this might include snacks, pet food, medication, or breakfast items you’ll want handy without rummaging through every box.

#3 Protect the Rest of Your Home

Kitchen remodels generate a surprising amount of dust and debris, so protecting the surrounding areas of your home is crucial. Start by sealing off doorways with plastic sheeting to create a physical barrier between the construction zone and your living spaces. If your remodeling team doesn’t include a dust containment plan, ask about adding one—it makes a big difference.

Be sure to cover your floors, especially in hallways and frequently used areas, with durable drop cloths or runners. It’s also a good idea to close or seal off HVAC vents near the kitchen to prevent dust from circulating through your ductwork. Take down artwork and move fragile or valuable items out of adjacent rooms—construction vibrations can knock things off walls or shelves when you least expect it.

#4 Communicate With Contractors (and Neighbors)

Clear, consistent communication is the cornerstone of any successful remodel. With UBuildIt, you’ll have a dedicated consultant to help manage timelines, keep contractors aligned, and troubleshoot issues—but it’s still important to stay informed and involved. Before construction begins, make sure you understand what the daily schedule looks like. Know when workers will arrive and leave, which entrances they’ll use, and where materials and tools will be stored.

This is also a great time to talk logistics—where will deliveries go? Will water or power be shut off temporarily? How should you report any concerns or unexpected issues? Finally, take a few minutes to inform your neighbors about the project, especially if you live in a close-knit community. Let them know there may be extra noise or limited parking for a while, and thank them in advance for their patience.

#5 Expect the Unexpected

Even the best-laid renovation plans can hit a few snags. Hidden plumbing problems, delayed shipments, or design changes can push your timeline or budget beyond your original expectations. The best way to handle this is to prepare mentally—and financially—for a few surprises.

We recommend building a 10–20% buffer into your renovation budget to account for unplanned expenses. If your remodel takes longer than expected, your temporary kitchen setup and household routines should be flexible enough to adapt. Your UBuildIt consultant will help you stay on track, troubleshoot issues quickly, and keep the project moving forward, but having realistic expectations from the start goes a long way in reducing stress.

A kitchen remodel is a major investment in your home’s function, style, and value. With the right planning—and expert guidance from UBuildIt—you can make the process smoother and more rewarding from start to finish. Our consultants are here to help you create a plan, connect with trusted local contractors, and make confident decisions every step of the way. Find your local UBuildIt office here and contact us today for more information!