Kitchen remodeling is a favorite past time for many people in the days leading up to the holidays. It gives the home owner the chance to install updated fixtures and increase the work area available for use in preparing for these large meals. There are a few things that need to be handled before starting a kitchen remodeling project, to save both time and money for holiday festivities.

Know What Needs to be Replaced

Part of renovating a kitchen is replacing outdated and broken down equipment with new items that are more efficient. There are certain items that may appear to be more efficient, but are actually time sinks. If the water faucet does not leak, then it does not need replaced. The same goes for the cabinets and counter top. If there is not a problem, do not waste the time swapping them out right now. Wait until the warmer summer months, when you are not pressed for time.

Comparison Shop Before Heading to the Store

Go online and comparison shop different models before heading to the store. Five minutes at home can save hours at the story, and give you enough information to negotiate the best deals for any new appliance or fixture.

Remember – as the consumer you have the power in this situation. If they are not willing to work with you, go somewhere else. Drive a hard bargain, and walk away with enough extra cash to buy a special present for your child this holiday season.

Figure Out How Long it Takes to Swap Something Out, and Add an Additional Hour

There is an old saying, “no plan ever survives battle.” This can be applied to every facet of life, due to the unexpected challenged that can crop up. Go online and read several installation guides, and then add an hour to each one. This allows you some breathing room if you discover a problem. For instance, most fridges can be pulled out, though some older models are bolted to the floor. Since few people disclose this small detail when selling a house, you may find yourself running to the garage to grab a drill.

Even if everything goes according to plan, you will need time to clean up the kitchen and the area through which the old and new appliances where carried. No guide ever includes the time it takes to buff that scratch out of the wall, or finding a replacement to that ugly vase destroyed by an accident that no one saw coming.

Know What to Do With the Old Material Before Starting

The last thing you want to deal with is a pile of garbage collecting snow in the front yard, waiting until you have the time to rent a truck and take it to the county dump. See what the delivery company is willing to do, or if there is a special trash truck that can be summoned in these cases.
An alternative, for the more environmentally conscious, is to find a recycling center and take it there.