🛠️ The Renovation Survival Guide: How to Prep Your Home for a New Kitchen
The decision to install a new kitchen is exciting—you're on your way to a more beautiful, functional home! However, between the initial design and the final sparkling installation, there is a period of disruption.
At Saturn Kitchens, we believe a smooth installation is as important as the final design. Our commitment is to minimise mess, stick to the schedule, and manage the entire process for you. But, a successful project starts with preparation on your end.
Here is your essential checklist for managing life while your dream kitchen is being built.
1. The Temporary Kitchen: Your Culinary Command Centre
When your main kitchen is out of action, you need a functional 'pop-up' space. This is often the biggest concern for homeowners, especially families.
Where to Cook (The Make-Shift Kitchen)
Location, Location, Location: Choose a room far from the building work—a utility room, dining room, or even a corner of the garage are great options.
Essential Appliances: Move your microwave, kettle, and toaster to this space. For more substantial cooking, an air fryer, slow cooker (Crock-Pot), or an inexpensive single-induction hob can be a lifesaver.
Meal Strategy: Plan simple, one-pot or reheated meals. Pre-cooking and freezing some family favourites before the renovation begins will drastically reduce your day-to-day stress.
Where to Wash Up (The Water Challenge)
The sink is often the first thing to go and the last thing to be installed.
The Utility/Bathroom Sink: These will become your primary washing-up stations. Be prepared for things to take longer!
The Tub Hack: For larger pots, or a significant backlog of dishes, a clean bathtub can be your basin. Place a towel on the floor to catch splashes.
The Two-Bucket System: If using a sink elsewhere is impractical, use two large plastic tubs: one for washing, one for rinsing.
Pro-Tip: Minimise: Use disposable plates and cutlery (recyclable options are available!) for the most intense period to cut down on cleaning drastically.
2. Washing Clothes: Planning for Laundry
While a temporary kitchen is usually straightforward, losing access to your washing machine (if it’s in the kitchen) requires planning.
Temporary Relocation: If your washing machine can be moved to a utility room or plumbed into a downstairs cloakroom/garage temporarily, this is the easiest solution.
The Laundrette Run: If relocation isn't feasible, plan a schedule for trips to a local laundrette. Get ahead by washing and drying all linens and towels beforehand.
Neighbourly Help: Don't be shy! A quick chat with a neighbour might secure you a few hours of laundry time in their machine, which can make a huge difference.
3. The Saturn Kitchens Promise: Minimising Upheaval
We understand that renovation can feel overwhelming. That’s why we differentiate ourselves by taking the stress of kitchen project management off your shoulders. Our process is built around speed, efficiency, and respect for your home.
Keeping Your Home Clean and Your Project on Track
Dedicated Project Management: Your project is managed end-to-end by a single, experienced point of contact. We coordinate all trades—electricians, plumbers, fitters—ensuring a seamless handover from one stage to the next.
Scheduled Precision: We work with meticulously planned schedules and aim to keep all work on time. Timely kitchen completion is our benchmark for success.
Minimising Mess: From day one, we use protective sheeting and dust containment measures (like zip-up doors) to isolate the work zone. We always aim to keep the main thoroughfares of your home clean and accessible.
By having a robust temporary setup and a professional team managing the complexity, you can relax and focus on the exciting reveal of your new dream kitchen renovation.
Ready to Renovate?
Don't let the thought of disruption stop you from achieving the kitchen you deserve. Let the experts at Saturn Kitchens handle the logistics.
Contact us today for a free consultation on your full kitchen renovation project and discover the Saturn difference!