How to Work With a Kitchen Renovation Company: A Guide for Busy Professionals

A kitchen renovation is one of the most exciting yet complex projects a homeowner can undertake. It’s an opportunity to refresh one of the most important spaces in your home — but if you're a busy professional, the thought of managing a renovation alongside your work and personal responsibilities can be daunting.

At skön Kitchens, we understand that your time is valuable, and we've helped countless busy professionals in Greater Vancouver complete premium, custom kitchen renovations without disrupting their daily routines. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of working with a kitchen renovation company to ensure you manage the project efficiently and enjoy the process, all while maintaining your demanding schedule.

How to work with a kitchen renovation company

1. Set Clear Expectations from the Start

The first step in ensuring a smooth renovation is clear communication. Before the project begins, sit down with your renovation team to discuss your goals, budget, timeline, and any concerns you may have.

What to discuss:

  • Design and Functionality: What are your must-haves? Do you need more storage, better lighting, or energy-efficient appliances? Be clear about your priorities.

  • Timeline: While no renovation is without its challenges, having a clear timeline helps you manage expectations. Share any key dates, such as holidays or family events, when you’ll need your kitchen to be functional.

  • Budget: Setting a realistic budget is crucial. Be transparent about how much you’re willing to spend, and understand how funds will be allocated — from materials to labour.

Setting clear expectations up front will prevent surprises and ensure everyone is on the same page throughout the project.

2. Prepare for the Renovation in Phases

Managing a renovation while maintaining a busy schedule can be challenging, especially when it comes to minimizing disruption to your daily life. To help with this, we recommend breaking your project into manageable phases.

  • Phase 1: Design and Planning
    This phase is all about finalizing layouts, selecting materials, and approving designs. If your schedule is tight, consider evening or weekend appointments for reviewing plans or samples.

  • Phase 2: Demolition and Prep Work
    Demolition can be disruptive, but it’s usually the shortest phase. We’ll schedule demolition when it’s most convenient for you — perhaps during a work trip or vacation..

  • Phase 3: Installation
    This phase typically takes the longest but can be managed with proper scheduling. We’ll coordinate installation times to ensure our team is on-site.

  • Phase 4: Finishing Touches
    Once the major work is done, the final touches — such as painting, trim work, and cleanup — will be completed. This phase is generally the least disruptive and occurs towards the end of the project.

Breaking the renovation into phases minimizes stress.

3. Leverage Technology for Remote Communication

As a busy professional, you may not always have time for in-person meetings. That doesn’t mean the renovation process has to come to a halt. Use technology to stay connected and keep the renovation on track.

  • Virtual Consultations: Many kitchen renovation companies, including Skon Kitchens, offer virtual meetings to discuss plans, updates, and make decisions. You can stay involved without having to take time off work or commute.

  • Regular Email Updates: Set up regular email check-ins with your renovation team to stay informed about the project’s status, upcoming milestones, and any issues that need your attention.

By using technology, you can save time while staying involved in your renovation project without it taking over your life.

4. Stay Flexible with Your Timeline

While you may have a specific completion date in mind, renovations can be unpredictable. There may be supplier delays or unexpected issues during installation. Flexibility with your timeline will help you manage any unforeseen hiccups.

How to stay flexible:

  • Buffer Time: Always build in extra time to account for unexpected delays. Having a cushion prevents frustration if things don’t unfold exactly as planned.

  • Plan Around Key Dates: If you have important events, such as dinner parties or family gatherings, schedule your renovation to wrap up before or adjust your timeline around those dates.

  • Patience with Details: Some decisions, like choosing hardware or finalizing finishes, may take longer than expected. Take your time to ensure you’re completely happy with every detail.

Flexibility is key to ensuring you’re happy with the final outcome, even if things don’t go exactly as planned.

5. Minimize Inconvenience with Temporary Solutions

During your renovation, there will be times when your kitchen is not fully functional. To minimize disruption to your daily routine, consider temporary solutions.

  • Use Your Living or Dining Room: Set up a small cooking station with a microwave, toaster oven, or slow cooker in another area of your home. This allows you to continue preparing meals while the kitchen is out of commission.

  • Take Advantage of Takeout: If time is tight, don’t hesitate to order takeout or pick up meals from your favourite restaurants. This can also be an opportunity to explore some of Vancouver’s great local eateries.

  • Stay with Friends or Family: Depending on your situation, it might make sense to temporarily stay with friends or family during more disruptive phases of the renovation.

With a little preparation, you can maintain your routine while your kitchen is being transformed.

6. Work with a Reliable Kitchen Renovation Company

The most important factor in ensuring a smooth renovation is working with a trusted kitchen renovation company. Skon Kitchens is known for delivering high-quality, custom kitchens with minimal disruption. We specialize in modern, sleek designs that cater to the needs of busy professionals, and we offer full-service project management to handle every aspect of your renovation from start to finish.

Working with a reputable team like ours means you can relax, knowing that the renovation is in expert hands, and you won’t have to micromanage the process.

Final Thoughts: Renovate Without the Stress

As a busy professional, your time is valuable, but that shouldn’t stop you from creating the kitchen of your dreams. By setting clear expectations, staying organized, and using technology to your advantage, you can manage your renovation without it taking over your life. At skön Kitchens, we specialize in designing modern, high-quality kitchens for professionals just like you, offering personalized service every step of the way.

Ready to get started? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin transforming your kitchen into a luxurious, functional space that fits seamlessly into your busy lifestyle.

To arrange an on-site project consultation, please visit Get Started.

The skön team

© skön Kitchens 2024