You’re planning to remodel your home, and although you’re excited to get to the finished product, you’re dreading the inevitable noise, debris, contractor foot traffic, and overall disruption to your daily routine.
You could take up temporary residence at a local hotel, but who has the extra cash for that? Your in-laws offered to take you in, but that might not be such a good idea. A good friend offered space at their place, but there’s a saying about guests and fish—so you’d rather not.
Should you stay home and tough it out?
If you’re considering it, heed these three tips to help get you through.
Set a detailed timeline
Renovations can be full of unknowns. That’s why it’s important for you to plan out the details of your remodel as much as possible. Talk to your contractor about not only establishing start, middle, and end dates for the project, but designating project milestones along the way. Having a detailed, but flexible, timeline can help provide a sense of stability in an environment that will be in a constant state of flux.
With a detailed timeline you’ll know exactly when and where work will be performed so you and your family can manage everyday necessities, like kitchen, bath, and outdoor access.
Establish multipurpose spaces
For rooms in the house that will be inaccessible during the renovation, identify other areas that can function as multipurpose spaces—perhaps for working, relaxing, eating, or sleeping. Also, if your kitchen will be remodeled now is the time to find a few good local restaurants. If a bathroom will be under construction, and the family must share a spare, establish a schedule for each member to have their own private time in the mornings and evenings.
Close off construction areas
Talk to your contractor about how construction zones inside your home can be closed off from other parts of the house to mitigate dust and debris. This may involve using plastic barriers, as well as HEPA vacuums and air filters.
