A kitchen remodel can be an exciting, creative undertaking that can add new functionality, fresh style, improved efficiency and real value to your home. With a few kitchen remodel tips and a little flexibility you can bring your dream kitchen to life with as little disruption as possible.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A KITCHEN REMODEL

When thinking about how to plan a kitchen remodel, keep in mind that the experience can be both physical and mental. Create a respite away from the center of activity to decompress and recharge. Keep healthy snacks on hand to stay energized. But to really help ensure a smooth renovation process, following the three “P’s” – PLAN, PACK, PREPARE – is the best kitchen remodel advice there is.

STEP 1: SHOP FOR MAJOR APPLIANCES FOR YOUR KITCHEN REMODEL

The kitchen is the hub of the home. It’s a place to explore, create and connect. Appliances, the kitchen’s essential tools for creativity, will drive a lot of the decisions you make about how your kitchen will function and look. Making smart choices that align with your needs, desires and budget is key to remodelling success.

You’ll want to begin appliance shopping early in the process because the appliances you choose can impact almost every other aspect of the remodel – including layout, plumbing, electrical, countertops, cabinets, backsplash and more. It’s important to determine from the outset if you want freestanding or built-in appliances – electrical or gas appliances – and what kind of venting you prefer.

Read on to discover more tips on shopping for refrigerators, ranges, cooktops, wall ovens, microwaves and dishwashers. Plus, find recommendations for the latest innovations in cooking appliances from KitchenAid brand.

REFRIGERATORS FOR A KITCHEN RENOVATION

Today’s refrigerators expand the creative possibilities in the kitchen by offering inspiring and flexible food storage options, great innovations in food preservation as well as a variety of styles and finishes to choose from. One of the first things you’ll want to decide is whether you want a freestanding or built-in refrigerator. 

THE BEAUTY OF BUILT-IN REFRIGERATORS
Can be customized to match surrounding cabinets for a seamless look with a panel-ready design or to stand out as a statement.

Considerations:
• Refrigerator aligns with kitchen cabinetry
• Offers custom panel-ready design for kitchen design integration

THE BEAUTY OF FREESTANDING REFRIGERATORS
Available in standard-depth or counter-depth design, these refrigerators offer the added flexibility to fit easily into most kitchens.

Considerations:
• Easy to install
• Require no custom cabinetry
• Fit easily into most kitchens

Both types of refrigerators come in different styles and finishes to accommodate your design and storage needs – including French door bottom mounts, side-by-side and bottom mount refrigerators. In addition, there are specialty options like undercounter refrigerators that are perfect for keeping pitchers and party platters chilled and ready for entertaining.

Discover more about the latest innovations in refrigerators from KitchenAid and zero in on the size and style that’s right for you.

RANGES FOR A KITCHEN RENOVATION

Are you looking for the flexibility of a freestanding range with finished sides, the sleek look of a slide-in range with front controls, or the professional look of a commercial style range? Is gas or electric your preferred cooking method? 

Discover more about what a range is and how the different styles can help bring your cooking to life. Then explore the many range options from KitchenAid and find the right fit for your kitchen.

COOKTOPS FOR A KITCHEN RENOVATION

Today’s cooktops come in a variety of styles and sizes to accommodate a range of Maker’s cooking needs. In a nutshell, gas cooktops or rangetops offer more responsive control while electric and induction cooktops deliver a sleek look, speedy cooking times, as well as easy cleaning. Discover more about the possibilities these different types of cooktops bring to the kitchen and how to install them. Also, don’t miss the great selection of cooktops available from KitchenAid.

WALL OVENS FOR A KITCHEN RENOVATION

There are three types of wall ovens to choose from – single, double and combination wall ovens. Single wall ovens offer installation versatility, they can be installed in a wall, a cabinet or under a counter. Some, but not all, single wall ovens can even be installed under a cooktop. If this is your preferred spot for installation, be sure to check with your manufacturer, early in the planning stages, to make sure this is doable with your single wall oven. Double wall ovens provide the capacity of two ovens and the flexibility to cook different dishes at different temperatures, simultaneously. And a combination wall oven combines the convenience of microwave cooking with a full-size lower oven.

Before you buy, discover more about wall oven sizes. Then explore the different wall oven options from KitchenAid.

MICROWAVES FOR A KITCHEN RENOVATION

Microwaves come in a variety of sizes and configurations and offer powerful cooking support. Both microwave hood combinations and built-in microwaves can help save valuable countertop space. A microwave hood combination is installed above the cooktop or range and captures smoke and odors. Built-in microwaves offer the flexibility to be installed in a variety of spots in kitchen cabinetry. While countertop microwaves can rest on any open surface and are easy to move.

Use this guide to learn more about microwave sizes and the different styles available to help complete your remodel. Then explore a selection of microwave options from KitchenAid.

DISHWASHERS FOR A KITCHEN RENOVATION

Master the mess of making with dishwashers designed to let you spend more time cooking, not cleaning. Here are some of the many reasons you’ll want to consider a KitchenAid^® dishwasher for your kitchen remodel: 

LOADS OF FLEXIBILITY
Fit all the tools you need to create with the largest third rack available,¹ third level utensil racks and racks that adjust.

THE CLEAN YOU NEED
Find the latest innovations including sensor technology to deliver the right cleaning & drying for every load.

DETAILS, DETAILS
Discover beautiful interior LED lighting, quiet performance, finishes and handles to match your style.

Like KitchenAid^® refrigerators, KitchenAid^® dishwashers come in different sizes and in a range of colors and finishes including the PrintShield^™ Finish to help resist fingerprints and smudges. If you’re going for a seamless look, don’t miss the panel ready options KitchenAid offers. Plus, you’ll find a selection of handles and controls to help customize your dishwasher for your unique space. Consider a pocket handle and hidden controls for a sleek, modern kitchen.

Find useful tips on how to load a dishwasher and ideas for where to place a dishwasher in your kitchen. And discover essential info on how innovative features like a third rack can help deliver extra loading flexibility. Then explore a selection of dishwashers with advanced cleaning features and state-of-the-art design from KitchenAid.

^{1. Among leading brands based on usable volume.}

STEP 2: PLAN FOR COOKING AND EATING DURING THE KITCHEN RENOVATION

Depending on the size of your renovation, you may be without your kitchen for an extended period of time. Planning how you’ll cook and eat your meals is an important part of ensuring a smooth remodeling experience. Eating out can be part of the solution but when you’re talking about three meals a day for weeks at a time, this can get old, and expensive, quickly. With a little creativity and these simple tips, you can make homemade meals throughout your renovation.

SET UP A TEMPORARY KITCHEN

Designate a spot, away from the area that’s being remodeled, that can serve as your stand-in kitchen. Some things you’ll want to include and consider:

• A large table is helpful to hold small appliances, and serve as a small prep area.
• Pack everything in well labeled boxes but keep a few essentials handy, including oven mitts, mixing bowls, cutting board/knives, measuring spoons/cups and basic spices/seasonings.
• Designate a temporary new “home” for the refrigerator that’s easily accessible. If you won’t have a refrigerator during your project, an undercounter refrigerator can help keep beverages and select food items cool. A cooler can also hold a few essentials.
• Before you lose your kitchen – if you have access to a fridge – fill the freezer with pre-prepped meals you can warm up in a microwave or countertop oven.
• Many of us eat most of our meals at a table or island in the kitchen. Since these will be unavailable you’ll need to plan where you’re going to eat. Dining rooms are always great options. Setting up trays in a family room is another possibility. If the weather’s nice, the patio or deck may come in very handy, or throw a blanket on the grass and have a picnic in the backyard.

USE SMALL APPLIANCES: A KITCHEN REMODEL LIFESAVER

In addition to an outdoor grill, small appliances like countertop ovens can become a kitchen remodeler’s best friend. KitchenAid offers a variety of countertop appliances that can be a big help during a remodel. Here are five KitchenAid^® countertop appliances to consider:

KEEP YOUR SPACE NEAT AND TIDY

Keeping your temporary kitchen and eating areas clean and organized can go a long way in minimizing the stress and disruption that come along with the remodeling experience. Make sure you have a few key cleaning supplies at your fingertips, along with the following: 

• Stock up on paper towels, dish soap, towels, trash bags and disposable plates, cups and utensils.
• If you’re washing pots and pans in the bathroom or a laundry/utility sink, consider adding a drying rack nearby.
• Find a spot for trash/recycling and be prepared to empty more frequently.

STEP 3: PREPARE FOR PACKING, DELIVERY & HAUL AWAY

Taking time to pack up your space thoughtfully, before the onset of your project, can make unpacking go all that much more smoothly. Identify key supplies and tools you’ll use frequently during the process and pack everything else away. 

• Label your boxes clearly and group like-items together for easy access and seamless unpacking. 

• Purge before you pack – this is the perfect time to check expiration dates and discard out-of-date food items.

• Donate unused small appliances or cabinetry, countertops and large appliances that are still in good shape.

PREPARE FOR DELIVERY AND HAUL AWAY

There’s nothing more frustrating than finding the refrigerator of your dreams then realizing on delivery day that it won’t fit through your front door. That’s why it’s essential to understand size and dimensions before you buy. Consult sizing guides to learn how to measure for your new appliances. Familiarize yourself with the specifications and dimensions of your appliances. Here are some additional things you’ll want to keep in mind:

Inspect your space for proper outlets, plumbing and water lines.

Map out a path of entry: Measure the width of each doorway, hallway and stairwell the appliance will pass through. Make sure the space is clear of personal items on delivery day. Exterior doors may be removed, but interior doors will not.

Make sure you have the right parts if you’re installing yourself. If you select installation at checkout, KitchenAid will automatically add the parts you need to get your appliance hooked up.

Be on hand for delivery and to inspect your new appliances.

KitchenAid offers free delivery (for major appliance product purchases $399 & above)³ and installation, haul away and uninstall are available for a fee. If you’re preparing to uninstall yourself but have a third party haul away, make sure your appliance is empty and unhooked before your new appliance is delivered.

^{3. Delivered to a single U.S. address. Excludes ground shipped products. $399 based on sale price of in-home delivery products excluding taxes, delivery, install/uninstall, and haul away. Only valid for new orders on kitchenaid.com. Major appliances limited to refrigerators, ranges, cooktops, wall ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, hoods, freezers, beverage & wine centers, ice makers and compactors.}

STEP 4: HOW TO PREPARE YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY TO SURVIVE A KITCHEN REMODEL

Your old kitchen is purged and carefully packed, your temporary kitchen is set up and ready to cook, and your new kitchen is underway. You’ve planned for everything, except for the one thing that’s hard to plan for – the unexpected.

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

Here are a few ways to help soften the blow of unexpected surprises.

• Include extra money in your “dining out” budget to accommodate extra meals that might be necessary if you experience project delays.
• If you have pets, make sure there’s a plan for them too. Factor daycare or boarding expenses into your budget for heavy construction days to keep pets safe and happy. 
• If possible, coordinate a trip away from home into your schedule to give everyone a break from the activity.

There may be a few bumps along the way, but with a little patience, a sense of humor, armed with the three “P’s” – and all the appliance support you need from KitchenAid – you’ll be creating in the kitchen of your dreams before you know it.