Prepare The House

Whether your construction is going to be completed by a General Contractor or you are going to do-it-yourself, you are still in charge of preparing your "loving home" and family (or household members) for construction. This means creating an environment that caters to everyone's needs and safety while the kitchen is torn up and its contents are scattered in piles and boxes around the house. In fact, you may prefer to call it "operation kitchen patrol" until your new kitchen is finished. No matter what you call it, you will need to address the following to prep the house:

· Provide access into your home for workers--key(s), code(s), etc. Note who will take responsibility for these. If you have a security alarm, one person should also be instructed in how to disarm the system and/or call the system control center (you should also advise the security control center of your construction timeline). If locked out, also note where to go or who to call.
· Agree upon and create a convenient storage and work space for your contractor (a secure area to store building materials and tools--saves time and makes for happier workers).
· Open up a shelf or two in the cabinets and refrigerator for their food.
· Designate which restroom facilities and phones are to be used by workers and which areas of the house are off-limits.
· Discuss with the contractor the best location to store new appliances and products to keep them protected and in mint condition.
· Cover or move valuables out of harm's way.
· Pack up the kitchen and label the boxes--pitch anything that will not store without attracting "visitors".
· Make a list of the restaurants that you haven't yet visited and those that "deliver".
· Read through of your favorite quick and easy recipes--it can be a picnic indoors!
· Set up a temporary kitchen (ask your contractor to help you). Dismantled cabinets may be able to be reassembled in the basement or another area of the home. Set up near a sink, use your old countertop, use hotplate and microwave. This takes 3-4 hours but drops the stress level for all concerned.
· Make "KP" duty easier by picking up disposable items such as paper plates, plastic bowls, silverware and cups.
· Designate an area for garbage. Dumpsters (6-40 yard) can be ordered or trash can be piled up in the backyard and hauled away at a later date. Dumpsters cost approximately $200 - 450 per pick-up depending upon size. Watch these units and the truck that delivers them as either can damage your concrete apron or driveway if not delivered properly and placed gently. Do not put a dumpster on asphalt. Some dumpster companies may ask you to sign a waiver/disclaimer for this reason.
· Coordinate with your contractor regarding timeline for delivery of products, appliances, and materials.
· Check cabinets, products, appliances, and materials against the receipt--no matter who ordered it. Make sure it is what you ordered i.e. model number, size, color, and finish. Also check each item for damage and the quality of workmanship. Cabinets should be set up in the configuration that matches your new floorplan.
· Make sure contractor seals your doorways and any other openings with clear plastic prior to demolition and construction.
· Demolition can be done by the homeowner or by the General Contractor. This function should have been discussed and included in your contract. It is a dirty and dusty job, especially in an old home; so many people allow the contractor or their demolition crew to do the job. Whoever does the demolition, they must then dispose of the scrap and clean up afterward so the area is ready for construction.