Before you begin your remodeling project, make sure that you secondary place to prepare meals. You'll need a location that has convenient access to water. Ideally, you will be able to use your existing stove and refrigerator. If not, make sure that you have ample coolers on hand, as well as an electric kettle, hot plate, toaster oven and microwave. If the weather cooperates, you can also make good use of your barbecue at renovation time.



For your kitchen remodeling project to be a success, be sure to avoid these common mistakes:

1. Wall Damage: Be careful not to destroy the kitchen walls when you're removing old cabinets. See if you can replace the cabinetry without taking down the existing braces.

2. Surface Damage: Floors, cabinets and countertops are also prone to unnecessary damage. Protect your cabinets and countertops with drop cloths. Floors are easily damaged during wall replacements and other major renovation projects. Think about putting down a layer of plywood to protect your kitchen floor.

3. Be sure to shut off the utilities before you begin working. Pulling a fuse, flipping a circuit breaker or shutting a valve under the sink might not be enough. Always put your safety first and if possible, shut off the water and electricity supply completely while you are working.

4. Protect Against Debris. Even though you're renovating in the kitchen, you can be sure that dust from sanding and tiling will find its way through the entire house. Use plastic sheeting to cover doorways to adjoining rooms, and seal air vents to contain the mess. Ventilation is important, however, so be sure to leave the kitchen windows and outside door open.

5. Timing is Everything: Kitchen renovations take time, and it's easy to underestimate your completion date. Beginning a major kitchen overhaul two weeks before Christmas just isn't a good idea. It's easy to botch a job if you're racing to meet a deadline, so give yourself plenty of time to do the job right.

Before you roll up your sleeves and get to work, make sure that you and your kitchen are fully prepared:

* Everything that you don't need in your temporary kitchen area should be packed away. Label the boxes clearly and put them in storage.

* If it's not nailed down, get rid of it. Kitchen drawers, furniture, spice racks, appliances, lazy susans, clocks and trinkets should be removed and put aside or packed away. If you can't move it, take time to protect it from dirt and damage.

* Arrange to have the refuse removed. There will be a lot of debris, particularly if you're replacing flooring, walls, cabinets or countertops. If you don't have a truck, rent a dumpster. Have it as close to the kitchen as possible, so you can throw the debris right in. Pay attention to any materials that can be reused. Those old cabinets may be handy in the laundry room or garage. Call a charity organization and donate your unneeded materials. Try Habitat for Humanity.

* Be sure that the gas and water are shut off before you remove your major appliances. Most appliances have individual shutoff valves for plumbing and water, but you should consider turning off the main supply valves. The main gas line valve should be located near the gas meter. When you're done working and you've opened the gas line back up, remember to relight all of your pilot lights.

* Completely disconnect the electrical circuits. Older homes are prone to confusing wiring systems due to previous renovations and modifications. It's not always clear which circuits or fuses control particular areas. If you try to guess, you could be in for quite a shock! Call a qualified electrician if you're not sure, or shut down the main power to the house. Put tape over any closed breakers to be sure they're not switched back on while you're working.

* Dismantle existing fixtures and outlets if you plan on upgrading your electrical system. First, remove all of the light bulbs, and then dismantle each fixture by unscrewing the cover plate and pulling the receptacle out of the box. Detach the wires carefully.

Any exposed wires should be capped until you are ready to install the new fixtures. The bare copper wire is the ground, and does not need to be capped. Electricity is a very dangerous area, and there is no room for error. If you're not exactly sure how to replace electrical fixtures, invest in the services of a licensed electrician.

Your kitchen renovation will take smart planning and a lot of elbow grease, the results will be spectacular. Your family uses the kitchen for learning, playing and socializing, as well as for cooking and eating, so the time and effort today will pay off with years of enjoyment.