How do I prepare my home for a remodel?

Start with the room itself. Remove everything from cabinets, drawers, counters and walls, including items on top of cabinets. Pack what you will not need for the next few weeks and set aside essentials. For a kitchen, set up a temporary station elsewhere with a microwave, coffee maker, a small table and paper goods. For a bathroom, plan which other bathroom the household will share, and adjust morning routines if needed.

Then think about the rest of the house. Dust travels even with protection in place, so move artwork, electronics and breakables out of nearby rooms, and consider covering furniture. Clear a path from the entry to the work area so materials and old cabinets can move in and out easily. Pets are usually happiest in a closed room or away from home on noisy days, and they should not be able to slip out an open door.

Finally, handle logistics before day one. Agree on which entrance the crew will use, where materials can be staged, and where vehicles can park. Check HOA rules on work hours and dumpsters. Keep your finish choices settled so the schedule is not held up. A kitchen typically takes 3 to 4 weeks on site and a standard bathroom 8 to 12 days, so plan for that stretch.