Tips & Trends Preparing for your Remodel It won't be long before you're enjoying your new kitchen or bath. To help make your remodeling construction as easy on you as possible, we've put together a few helpful tips to help you prepare for the construction. In the weeks before the construction begins, make a list of all of those restaurants you've been meaning to try. You'll enjoy the escape after a few microwaved meals.

• Before the cabinets arrive, decide on a safe enclosed area for the cabinets and appliances to be delivered to -- usually the garage is a good location.
  
• Pack up the kitchen (or bathroom) well before the remodel. Be sure to label the boxes -- it will make the unpacking process a lot easier and a lot more fun. Items that are fragile should be marked accordingly and stored in an area away from the construction. Think about rooms on the opposite side of the area being remodeled (pictures should be taken off of opposite walls because they will fall). You'll also need to move any furniture in the construction area before we start the job (unfortunately, we can't move your furniture for liability reasons.)
  
• There's no way to avoid the dust, so the best thing to do is prepare for it. We put down carpet protection and plastic off doorways in most jobs, but dust is a fact of life in a remodel. If there's a fish tank or electrical equipment in close proximity to the work, remember to keep them well covered. Floral arrangements and other decor that is not easy to dust is best moved into an area away from the construction. The crew will clean the immediate construction area after the remodel is complete, but Merry Maids they are not (you're house will likely be a bit dustier than usual during and for a week or two after the remodel)
  
• Your doors will be propped open for periods of time throughout the remodel, so please put your valuables in a safe place.
  
• Don't forget Fido and Kitty. If there isn't an area in your home to keep them safely away from the construction (especially during certain phases), it may be an opportunity to treat them to a vacation at a friend's house or at the kennel.
  
• Decide in advance where you want the installers to store their tools.
  
• If you're buying your appliances from someone other than AB&K, please be sure to negotiate delivery and appliance installation in your contract with the other company. For liability reasons, AB&K is not responsible for moving and installing appliances purchased elsewhere unless specifically stated in your contract.
  
• Plan a location outside of the area where the remodeling is being done to act as your temporary kitchen. Don't forget:

• If it's a bathroom remodel, pretend you're packing to go on a trip. Remember the hair dryer and curling iron.

Safety During the Remodel

For liability and safety reasons, it is critical that you stay out of the way of the installers during the remodeling project. Distractions may impact the accuracy of the project, so please let the crew focus on their work without interruptions. This also insures that we complete your project on time and on budget.

Please understand that this does not mean that we don’t want to hear any concerns you might have during the project. Feel free to review the status of your project or go over any concerns with them either before they’ve started or at the end of each day. For your convenience, a black job binder will be left at the job site. Inside the binder you will find a yellow note pad where you can list any concerns you might have regarding the job.