Home renovation without the aggravation

A major home remodel is one of the most stressful things you may ever have to undergo as a homeowner. When walls are being knocked down and entire portions of your home are inaccessible for days or even weeks you may find yourself asking why you ever signed up for this. Here are some tips to help you stay sane during the renovation.

Stay out of the house

If it’s at all possible, try to live outside the home during the course of the project. If there are family members in your area that could take you in that’s ideal. If you can afford to stay in a hotel for the duration of the project that can work as well. When you’re living inside the home where all the racket and disruption is taking place it will add to your stress.

If you will be staying outside your home, store valuables far away from the work site in a distant corner of the home, a storage facility, or at a trusted friend’s or family member’s.

If you have to stay in your home, a good contractor will help you minimize disruptions. For instance, if your kitchen is being remodeled he/she can help you set up a temporary kitchen space in another room. You can always find things to do to get out of the house for a few hours if the stress gets to be too much.

Stay involved

This may seem like a contradiction of the previous step but it’s not exactly. Even if you’re living elsewhere during the project you can stay involved by stopping by periodically, watching the progress, and staying in close communication with the contractor. Don’t just move out and return when the project is done and write a check. By being involved you make it much more likely that you’ll be pleased with the end results.

Always go through the general contractor

If you’ve got a general contractor and subcontractors working on the project, always go through the general contractor when you have concerns. It’s the general contractor’s job to keep everything running smoothly. Trying to approach the subcontractors directly can lead to confusion and unsatisfactory work.

Don’t destroy relationships in the process

Many couples are surprised at how taxing a home remodel can be on their relationship. If you’ve got a significant other, maybe start with a minor remodeling project before doing a full kitchen remodel or bedroom addition. Make time for your partner throughout the course of the project and don’t let your relationship fall by the wayside.

Share your experience

 

When it’s all said and done, whether the experience was good or bad (it was probably both) go online and share your experience with others. Your reviews of the contractor(s) will be invaluable to other homeowners who are planning a remodel and your friends and family will want to hear all about the project. It’s a great way to regroup and debrief after a very stressful time.

 

Source: Consumer Report

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