How to live without a kitchen during renovation

When comparing temporary kitchens, a little preparation makes it easier to understand each supplier's offer. The points below will help you ask better questions and avoid costly assumptions.

Before work starts

Ask your fitter for a realistic schedule showing demolition, plumbing, electrics, installation, worktops and appliance commissioning. Build in extra time for delays. Consider whether you can set up a basic food-preparation area or whether you need a fully functioning temporary kitchen.

Choose an indoor setup or outdoor pod

An indoor temporary kitchen might fit into a spare room or utility space. An outdoor kitchen pod or trailer may suit homes with suitable access and driveway or garden space. The supplier should confirm dimensions, safe placement and connection requirements.

Make a list of essentials

List the appliances and facilities your household uses most: oven, hob, refrigerator, sink, food preparation surface and possibly a dishwasher or washing machine. Ask suppliers exactly what is included, as equipment varies.

Check access and utility connections

Each supplier sets its own space, socket, water and drain requirements, so check them before paying a deposit; we set them side by side on our kitchen pod hire page.

Think about the family routine

Plan meals, school lunches, medication refrigeration if relevant, dishwashing and temporary storage. Keep children away from active building areas and discuss safe access routes with your contractors.

Review the hire agreement

Get the hire length, extension rate, delivery, deposit and cancellation terms in writing; How much does temporary kitchen hire cost? explains what to check in each.

Compare quotes against requirements

Compare the total for your likely hire length rather than a daily rate, using the supplier prices in our cost guide.