This first phase involves removing existing fixtures, cabinets, flooring, and appliances. It typically takes around 1-2 weeks, depending on the size of the kitchen and the extent of demolition required.
Before demolition, you’ll want to remove all loose kitchen items, furniture, and personal belongings to protect them from being damaged. Your contractor will safely disconnect all necessary utilities such as electricity, gas, and water. Therefore, be sure to plan for a temporary kitchen setup during the remodel so you can engage in some type of daily routine.
To minimize dust and debris from spreading to other parts of the home, surrounding areas will be protected. This can include plastic sheeting, using temporary walls or barriers, and covering floors and furniture with protective materials.
After the demolition phase, the contractor assesses the condition of the walls, floors, and ceiling. Any underlying issues or necessary repairs identified will need to be addressed before the remodel can continue. It’s not unusual for a few surprises to surface at this point—or during the remodeling process—but an experienced contractor will know how to manage the situation.
Issues can range from required plumbing or electrical updates, repairing conditions behind the walls to be code-compliant, or applying structural changes based on the plan. This is where having a contingency plan ready will allow the renovation to move forward smoothly.