How to Prepare Your Home for a Kitchen Remodel

A kitchen remodel is one of the most exciting upgrades you can make to your home — but it also brings noise, dust, and a bit of temporary chaos. With the right preparation, you can make the process smoother, safer, and far less stressful for your family.

At Toensing Construction, we’ve guided countless Rhode Island homeowners through remodels of every scale — from small kitchen updates to full design-build renovations. Here’s our step-by-step guide to preparing your home (and yourself) before the first hammer swings.

1. Clear Out the Space

Start by emptying your cabinets, drawers, and pantry.
Pack away dishes, utensils, and pantry items you won’t need for a few weeks. Use clear bins or labeled boxes to make unpacking easier later. If your remodel involves new flooring or wall work, move out small appliances, artwork, and furniture too.

💡 Tip: Designate one labeled box as “daily essentials” for coffee, snacks, and cleaning supplies.

2. Set Up a Temporary Kitchen

You’ll need a makeshift space to prep meals while your kitchen is out of commission.
A table in the dining room or basement can become your temporary cooking zone. Include:

• A microwave, toaster oven, or hot plate

• Disposable or washable dishware

• A cooler or mini fridge

• Access to a sink (bathroom or utility sink works fine)

If possible, plan simple, low-mess meals — or take advantage of local Rhode Island favorites for takeout nights.

3. Protect Adjacent Areas

Remodeling generates dust — even with professional cleanup measures. Protect other parts of your home by:

• Hanging plastic barriers or zip walls

• Rolling up rugs and covering nearby furniture

• Sealing off HVAC vents near the work area

At Toensing Construction, we use dust control barriers and air filtration during every remodel, but homeowners who prepare their own spaces often experience an even cleaner result.

4. Plan for Noise and Disruption

Kitchen remodels can last several weeks depending on scope, so plan for noise, work hours, and limited kitchen access.
If you work from home, set up in a quieter area or use headphones during construction hours. Pets and children should stay out of the work zone for safety reasons.

5. Communicate with Your Contractor

Good communication is key. Review your remodel schedule, material delivery dates, and what areas of your home crews will need access to.
Ask questions like:

• When will water or power be shut off?

• Where can materials be stored?

• How often will updates be shared?

A clear plan keeps your project moving smoothly and helps avoid delays.

6. Expect the Unexpected

Even with detailed plans, hidden issues — like wiring, plumbing, or framing surprises — can arise once walls are opened. A good contractor will communicate these quickly and help you navigate the best solutions.

At Toensing Construction, we keep homeowners informed at every step, offering transparency and flexibility to handle any challenge with confidence.

Ready to Remodel Your Rhode Island Kitchen?

Preparing well before your remodel starts helps reduce stress and keeps your project on track. Whether you’re updating cabinetry, reconfiguring your layout, or creating your dream coastal kitchen, Toensing Construction is here to help from design through completion.

📍 Serving homeowners in Newport, Bristol, Barrington, Providence, and surrounding Rhode Island communities.
📞 Contact us today to start planning your kitchen remodel.