Kitchen Renovation Cooking
Me and Tom roughing it with a lobster dinner
I am certainly no expert on kitchen renovation. I’ve only done it once, and that was almost 15 years ago. In fact, I might be ready to re-do a few things over at this point. I have some notes on what I would do different next time, ( mostly lighting and faucets) but I have a quite a few ideas to keep you cooking after the demo and during the re-build. I mean, how much takeout can you eat?
General Tips for Renovation
Start a vision board for inspiration. I think I started clipping magazine article ideas and bookmarking websites a year or 2 before starting the project.
Watch some HGTV for inspiration.
Be sure to hire professionals. Architects, contractors , plumbers, painters and all. Be sure they are licensed and pull the proper permits.
Get multiple bids and check out their previous projects.
It’s always great to work with a team that has worked together on other projects.
Communicate non-stop so the project can stay on point and schedule. Also, your original vision may change as the work gets going.
Even with the best team, it will take longer than you think. Stuff will happen. We had a late-in-the-project hurricane that slowed us for weeks!
Renovation Cooking Tips
If you are in the Northeast, plan your renovation during the summer. If you have a grill, you already have an outdoor kitchen.
Make friends with your neighbors, ask to borrow their sink, if needed, for cleanup.
Think about renting a refrigerator. For me, growing up Italian means you always have a spare fridge in the basement.
Use paper plates and cups.
Invest in a hot plate, or 2 to create a makeshift cooktop.
Folding tables are great for prepping when you don’t have any countertops. And be sure to consider a second table for dinner.
Folding chairs and/or beach or camping chairs can work.
Use your gas or charcoal grill. Simple grilled meats, fish and vegetables are always delicious.
Make meals that don’t require an oven. Quick pastas and sauces are a great idea. Or steam some lobsters!
Plan to have fun, and patience and embrace the chaos.
Give your favorite restaurants a visit, or pick up a pizza on the way home. Everyone needs a break.
Folding table= dining table
Kitchen done