Gail's Kitchen Renovation: Demolition/Rough In

The first day of any kitchen renovation is Demolition Day. The existing cabinetry, appliances, flooring, and Sheetrock are removed to create a blank slate for the new kitchen. Gail, kitchen designer and co-owner of The Kitchen Company, is no stranger to kitchen renovation, and she's got some tips that helped her through the Demolition process.

Tips For a Smooth and Easy Demolition Day

1. Hire a Good Contractor Good contractors are just as important as good kitchen designers. A good contractor will keep the job on schedule and be able to handle any unforeseen problems that may occur during the remodeling process. Gail hired Dave Gummoe, owner of Precise Remodeling in Wallingford, Connecticut. Precise Remodeling is the exclusive installer for The Kitchen Company.

2. Have your building permit on hand before the demolition begins. Your contractor should obtain these permits for you. The building permit ensures that all the work is done to code. Be sure to keep this document in a safe spot throughout your renovation process because you might need it when you eventually sell your home.

3. Have your contractor use a trailer to remove your old cabinetry instead of a dumpster. Dumpsters are convenient because they don't need to be emptied every day. However, they can be unsightly and cause damage to your lawn or driveway.

4. Have your electrician and plumber on site for the Demolition process as well as the Rough-in process. They will need to safely disconnect all plumbing and electric before any work can begin.

5. Make sure to leave a week of time blocked for your Demolition and Rough-In This process may be completed sooner but it is a standard practice for The Kitchen Company to leave one week of time available. This is most often when the kitchen renovation could be delayed so it's smart to leave extra time for problem-solving.

Demolition Day can be stressful but an experienced contractor and subcontractors will eliminate the stress of remodeling. On Gail's job, a major plumbing issue was discovered on day 2 and the contractor was able to solve it by day 3, keeping the renovation on schedule. Likewise, during the Rough-In process, minor electrical issues were discovered and quickly remedied.

Bottom Line

Renovating your kitchen is stressful but experienced contractors and kitchen designers will get you through the demolition and into the dream kitchen you've always wanted.

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