Introduction
Remodeling a kitchen can be an exciting yet daunting project. It often requires significant time, planning and financial commitment to execute properly. Many homeowners feel overwhelmed when starting the process. However, remodeling your kitchen in stages can make the project more manageable.
A staged kitchen remodel allows you to tackle one section of the kitchen at a time. It spreads out the work over months or years, making it more budget-friendly. Completing the redesign in phases also lets you live in your home during the renovation process. If done right, you’ll get to enjoy an updated kitchen without the major hassle of a full demolition and rebuild.
This article will explore the benefits, drawbacks and steps involved in remodeling your kitchen in stages. We’ll cover how to develop a phased schedule for your project. With proper planning and preparation, you can create the kitchen of your dreams over time.
Benefits of a Staged Kitchen Remodel
There are several advantages to completing a kitchen remodel in phases:
More Affordable Payments
One of the biggest perks of doing a staged remodel is cost savings. Demolishing and rebuilding an entire kitchen at once can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars, sometimes even hitting six figures. Breaking up the redesign into several smaller projects allows you to budget and save for each stage. The smaller payment amounts are easier to manage.
Reduced Disruption to Daily Life
With a full remodel, your kitchen will be completely out of commission for weeks or months. That makes it impossible to cook and eat normal meals at home. With a staged approach, only one section of the kitchen is impacted at a time. The rest remains usable for day-to-day needs. You’ll deal with less hassle and disruption.
Ability to Live In Your Home
Not having a functional kitchen for an extended period usually requires you to move out and live elsewhere. Staging the remodel means you can continue occupying your home during the entire process. The work can be scheduled around your family’s lifestyle.
Testing Changes Before Full Commitment
By remodeling in phases, you can test drive modifications before completing them throughout the full kitchen. For example, install the new countertops in a small section first. Live with them for a few weeks to make sure you like the look and durability. Tweaks are much easier during initial stages.
Gradual Financial Outlay
As mentioned above, dividing the project into multiple smaller chunks spaced out over time allows for more manageable cash flow planning. Saving up adequate funds for just one or two phases at once is simpler than budgeting for a massive overhaul all at once.
Potential Drawbacks to a Phased Remodel
While a staged remodel has numerous advantages, there are some possible drawbacks:
Total Cost Could Be Higher
Breaking up the work into multiple segments means paying your contractor multiple service fees over an extended timeframe. The total cost of a phased remodel may end up being a bit higher than completing it all at once. Carefully assess whether the convenience outweighs the price.
Process Drags On for Longer
It could take a full year or even more to work through every phase of the remodel. Some homeowners get frustrated that the process is not faster. If you want a fully updated kitchen right away, a staged approach will leave you waiting.
Design Continuity May Be Trickier
Maintaining a cohesive design aesthetic throughout the different stages can be challenging. Tastes, trends and product availability change over time. What you liked originally may seem dated after living with it for a while. Adaptability is key for it to flow together seamlessly.
Potential for Messes and Hassles
Although each stage is confined to a segment of the kitchen, construction zones can get messy. Redesign work almost always involves some complications. The process is not as streamlined as tackling everything at once. Prepare to deal with some inconveniences.
If done strategically, a staged remodel can be executed quite smoothly. Weigh the trade-offs as you plan the phases.
How to Schedule the Phases
Careful planning is necessary for a successful staged kitchen remodel. Consider the following tips:
Prioritize by Importance
Determine which elements of your new kitchen design are the highest priority, and schedule those first. You probably have some must-have features you are most excited about. Do them in the earliest phases so you can start enjoying them ASAP.
Group Related Tasks
Look for ways to combine interconnected tasks into each phase. For example, new cabinetry installation should be grouped with modifying electrical and plumbing lines. New countertops go hand-in-hand with backslash and sink installations. This maximizes efficiency.
Consult Your Contractor
An experienced kitchen contractor will have remodeled many spaces in phases. Seek their advice about the most logical staged schedule. They can help you determine reasonable timeframes, costs and sequence of the stages.
Schedule Around Holidays/Events
Plan your staged remodel to avoid overlapping with busy holiday periods or major family events when your home needs to be fully functional. You don’t want the chaos of a remodel interfering with important happenings.
Allow Time In Between Stages
Build in a buffer of several weeks between phases. This gives you time to live with the updates, tidy up dust and debris, and financially recoup before starting the next round. Rushing from one stage right into another can be stressful.
Start with Quick Wins
Begin with some fast, easy upgrades like new lighting fixtures, molding or paint color. Knocking out a few small visible changes right away will get you excited about the stages to come. Save the major structural work for later phases.
Sample Phased Remodel Schedule
To give you a better idea of how to break down the phases, here is an example staged kitchen remodel timeline:
Phase 1 (2-3 weeks)
- Paint walls, ceiling and trim
- Install new recessed lighting
- Replace cabinet hardware
- Add under-cabinet lighting
Phase 2 (3-4 weeks, 8 weeks after Phase 1)
- Replace faulty plumbing and electrical lines
- Install new sink and faucet
- Knock down wall to open up space
Phase 3 (4-5 weeks, 12 weeks after Phase 2)
- Replace flooring
- Install new custom cabinetry
- Update to tile backsplash
Phase 4 (3-4 weeks, 8 weeks after Phase 3)
- Replace countertops and island
- Finish trims, transitions and moldings
- Touch up paint, clean and organize
This schedule spreads the work out over approximately 9 months. The kitchen remains partially functional throughout each phase. All big structural changes are completed before finishing details like cabinetry and counters. Adapt the phases and timeline based on your kitchen’s specific needs.
Key Tips for Executing a Phased Kitchen Remodel
Follow these best practices to ensure your staged remodel goes as smoothly as possible:
- Communicate the full scope of work to contractors upfront so they understand the multi-phase approach. Get accurate quotes for the entire project.
- Take extensive photos before beginning so you can recreate the original layout if needed.
- Empty cabinets and clear countertops in the zones being renovated to give workers ample access.
- Set up a temporary mini-kitchen in another room to enable basic cooking.
- Plan where you’ll store kitchenware and appliances during each phase. Rent storage containers if needed.
- Be flexible and willing to shift timelines if unexpected issues come up.
- Use temporary surfaces like plywood to cap unfinished countertops or openings when transitioning between stages.
- Expect some inconvenience and mess as par for the course. Be patient and focus on the exciting end results.
With diligent planning and readiness for surprises, your phased remodel can completely transform your kitchen over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Staged Kitchen Remodels
Many homeowners considering a staged kitchen redesign have questions about how the process works. Here are answers to some of the most common questions:
How much more expensive is a staged remodel compared to all at once?
The total cost may be 5-15% higher due to multiple rounds of contractor fees, permitting, etc. However, breaking up payments into smaller chunks is usually still easier on your wallet.
Should I use the same contractor for every phase?
It’s best to use the same general contractor or remodeling firm for the entirety of the project whenever possible. They will already understand your kitchen and design vision. Bringing in different crews adds complexity.
How do I prevent styles from clashing between stages?
Thoroughly plan out the full design scheme at the beginning. Choose versatile classic elements for permanent fixtures installed early on. Hold off on accent details like hardware until the end.
What if I change my mind on certain design elements?
Some flexibility is expected. Make bigger foundational changes like layout and materials first. Keep smaller finishes like paint colors and knobs changeable to later phases.
How much kitchen function will I lose during each remodel stage?
The contractor should cordon off just one section, leaving appliances like the fridge accessible. Set up a temp kitchen area nearby. Only full demolitions will make the entire kitchen unusable.
Should I live elsewhere during the remodel?
That’s only necessary if you’re doing a complete full gut job. For a phased approach focusing on one area at a time, you can comfortably inhabit your home throughout the process.
How long does a staged remodel take from start to finish?
Most phase their kitchen redesigned over 6-12 months depending on scope of work. Building in buffer periods between stages allows you to live with changes before continuing.
Conclusion
Remodeling your kitchen in stages requires careful planning but can be well worth it. By breaking up the work into multiple phases, you can modernize your kitchen while minimizing disruption and cost. Follow the tips provided above to schedule your project successfully. Focus on small milestones rather than becoming overwhelmed by the big picture. With a smart staged approach, you can enjoy an updated kitchen designed to match your needs and style.