entry challenge

We are having the front porch and upper balcony rebuilt and painted and all the wood trim repainted. YAY!!!
The challenge??
We don't have a 'side' entrance so, guests may have to enter through the kitchen until its done. I'm having the work done by the local Amish... (I've never done this, but have been observing them rehabbing a beautiful old home up the street so I know they can do it). But I don't know how long it will take... They gave me a time frame, but I don't know if its realistic as where we live I have experienced such a 'laid back' attitude from people (professionals/specialists) hired to do work ( shows up when they feel like it, or start and leave and then come back some other time! Weirdest thing I've ever experienced!!).
The work will not be going on over the weekends so thats very good!
Have any of you all had work done to a front porch/entryway and if so, how did you work guest arrivals??
Do you think guests will mind entering through the kitchen when they arrive and see the work going on? Do I send them an email ahead of time to warn them?? Would they cancel?

OK, this may just be me, but the opportunity to 'see behind the veil' would certainly make me ok with walking thru the kitchen. Now, as far as the work goes...as long as they are not there pounding nails at 7 AM, I'm ok. So, ask them to start work at 9 AM on days when you have guests.
Explain, explain, explain to guests that you have these wonderful folks coming in to RESTORE the front porch to its former grandeur. Anyone who is staying in an older building is probably an older building lover and may want to have a look at what's going on.
Fixing up, as long as the guests' sleep is not interrupted is generally looked on as a 'good thing'.

I doubt they would cancel just because of some work being done. As long as it doesn't effect their comfort..ie noise levels, dirt and dust etc. In your confirmation just mention the construction and the entrance change. No big deal. Just be sure your kitchen is immaculate when guests arrive. Maybe add some flowers to make it seem even more inviting. And...baking cookie aroma would be a good thing

As long as you let all your guests know that your home is getting a facelift, they should be OK with it. Sometimes there is just no way to get the work done when there are no guests. :-(
Good advice from Empty Nest about flowers and making sure that the kitchen is spiffed up! Here we would not be allowed to re-direct guests through our kitchen according to our licensing, so if you can do that it's a good thing.

I think people people who aren't used to living amongst the Amish would be interested to have a little interaction with them and seeing their craftsmanship. I would probably send them an e-mail reminding them of their reservation, tell them about the work being done and how it will/not affect them and encourage them to call you if they have any questions or concerns.
I have read numerous negative comments in TA reviews from guests who were upset that they weren't notified that some sort of construction was going on the property and they had not been notified, so I think that a simple notification would be appropriate. If they have any complaints after their stay, your bases are covered.

I don't think guests would mind coming in through the kitchen, but they may mind hammering and banging going on all day, especially if they are looking for a quiet getaway. If you're at a location where the guests are out for most of the day though it may not be an issue.

Are they working WHILE the guests are in the rooms? I am sure they would like to start early, but can't. And of course the Sabbath would not be an issue for them working.
I would actually LOVE to have that here, I think it will be really neat. I think entering through the kitchen is not a big deal! (except it will be FOR YOU). They will be coming and going, and then probably hanging out.
Sounds exciting!

we got through an entire new roof with guests the whole time and the only review out of the batch complained there was scaffolding up which I can live with - we did cheaper prices and only let rooms on lower floors ie not directly under the work - and they didn't work weekends - took 2 and a half weeks

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we got through an entire new roof with guests the whole time and the only review out of the batch complained there was scaffolding up which I can live with - we did cheaper prices and only let rooms on lower floors ie not directly under the work - and they didn't work weekends - took 2 and a half weeks.

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IF I can ever get word from the roofer, I will be experiencing this myself. Sooner rather than later I hope. PLEASE!!!!!

You all are wonderful! Notices will go out with their res reminders. Thanks for the help!