Kitchen remodel projects can be the most rewarding home upgrades. New appliances, updated cabinets and counters, and even a new floor plan can brighten up the whole space and ultimately add value to your home. However, remodeling projects also have a reputation for being stressful, arduous, and complicated. But it doesn’t have to be. Here’s how to plan a kitchen remodel without so much stress.

Set a Reasonable Budget

Financing your project can be a source of remodeling and renovation stress, specifically when unexpected expenses push remodeling efforts over budget. While you can’t predict every potential project snafu, you can prepare. And it’s worth deciding which elements of your new kitchen are worth the added expense and which are not. Here are some other tips to keep you on budget:

Prioritize big-impact updates.
Compare multiple contractor quotes.
Invest in energy-efficient appliances.
Choose mid-range materials.
Set a max spend for finishes and fixtures.
Phase the project if needed.
Track spending with a spreadsheet or app.

Have a Contingency Plan or Two

Even the best-laid kitchen renovations can hit unexpected roadblocks. Delayed shipments or unforeseen plumbing issues can derail a remodel timeline and budget, for example. But to keep your experience stress-free, create a contingency plan (or two,) like:

Anticipate delays: Weather, shipping, and out-of-stock items likely will hamper your project. Pad your timeline by at least a week before you get started, to relax any deadline-driven expectations.
Rainy day funds: Budget a 10%-12% cushion for unexpected expenses, like outdated wiring replacement or unforeseen kitchen design changes.
Know your deal-breakers: Before your project begins, know your deal-breakers so you can prepare to flex and compromise should other decisions come up during your kitchen remodel.
Document everything: Keep copies of contracts, receipts, warranties, and product specs in one place. If something changes or breaks, you’ll have everything ready to troubleshoot fast.

Designate a Temporary Kitchen Space

Designating a secondary kitchen space for yourself. During the renovation, it’s likely that your kitchen won’t be functional. But you’ll still need space for food storage, meal prep, and dining. A temporary kitchen setup now can reduce stress later. Here’s how:

Wash dishes in a large tub rather than the sink, or use disposable cutlery and plates.
For certain meals, grill or use a hot plate rather than a stove, or prepare make-ahead meals that can be made in the microwave.
Set up a coffee or tea station outside of the kitchen to help keep morning routines flowing.
Use folding tables and chairs for easy use when dining and fold-up when you’re not using them.
Pre-make or freeze meals ahead of time for easy prep in a microwave or air fryer appliance.
Keep your pantry staples handy, in a small tote or box you can store outside of your kitchen space for easy access.

Let Edgewood Cabinetry Make Your Kitchen Remodel Stress-Free

A kitchen remodel is no easy feat, and while it can seem relatively straightforward, changes and hang-ups often create a more complex situation than the initial plan. An easy way to bypass a lot of remodel stress is to have the best contracting team handle everything for you. That’s why the smartest way to avoid any unnecessary kitchen remodel-related stress is to work with the pros at Edgewood Cabinetry.

At Edgewood Cabinetry, we take the pressure off your shoulders and turn your vision into a beautiful, well-built reality. With decades of experience in custom kitchen remodels, cabinet design and installation, wet and dry bar builds, and more, we know how to manage the unexpected, so you don’t have to.

Here’s what stress-free remodeling looks like with Edgewood Cabinetry: