Home improvement is something most Americans invest in at some point. At times, it becomes a necessity, such as dealing with a leaking roof or cracks in the foundation.
Alternatively, you may want a complete makeover for your living space with a remodeling project. Either way, you should be ready to invest time and money in the project.
Statistics show that the hassle of renovation hardly dissuades Americans. Nearly 3 in 5 homeowners remodeled in 2022, with a median spend of $22,000 for home renovations.
Although things slowed down during the pandemic, the remodeling trend is back with a bang. The industry is projected to witness an annual growth rate of 4.1% from 2021 to 2027.
While the numbers seem inspiring for a homeowner seeking a refresh, the idea of living in your home during a major remodel might sound overwhelming.
Imagine how stressful your daily life can get with contractors working on repairs and replacements. From cooking to sleeping and looking after kids and pets, everything can become challenging.
However, careful planning and foresight can make the experience more manageable. We have a few actionable strategies to get through a project that enhances the look and feel of your home.
Decide on a Calendar
Summer is the best time to invest in a home remodeling project because the days are longer and the weather is dry.
At the same time, contractors are likely busier during these months. Let us consider the example of San Diego, the second most populous city in California and the eighth largest in the US. Unfortunately, it still falls short on the construction front.
You must plan beforehand and decide on a calendar, even if you want only a kitchen remodel in San Diego. Look for experienced and reputable contractors, and hire them on time to prevent delays and hassles during the peak season.
Convey your expectations and get estimated timelines for the project. Since remodeling involves many moving parts, a flexible timeline is the best way to go.
Having a calendar enables you to bear the stress of living in your home during the project. You may schedule it according to your convenience, avoiding key dates and events, such as birthdays, exams, and vacations.
Moreover, you can choose the most comfortable time of the year to wrap up the project before the rainy or snowy weather arrives.
According to Optimal Home Remodeling & Design, a dream kitchen should be functional, durable, and welcoming. An expert can redo your cooking space according to your needs and lifestyle, besides integrating these elements into it.
Communicate With Your Contractor
According to a 2022 survey, the national average for home renovation projects was $48,049, with most projects falling between $17,947 and $78,308.
A complete remodeling project may cost even more, and it can take months to complete. Clear communication with your contractor enables you to be ready for the cost and time commitment.
Besides discussing your expectations and budget, let them know about your living situation. You will probably want them to know if you have a baby at home or work from home.
This is a good time to establish ground rules to ensure minimal disruption to your routine. Also, organize regular check-in meetings to address issues or concerns during the project.
Work with the contractor to create a detailed schedule for the job. You can ask them to plan disruptive and noisy tasks during times when you’re away from home and your kids are at school. It will minimize disturbances and help you to anticipate periods of increased activity.
Establish a Temporary Living Space
Whether you pick a remodeling project room by room or get started with the whole house together, you can expect a lot of mess.
Sharing your home with a team of plumbers, electricians, roofing experts, and construction contractors sounds challenging. The tougher part is that they are likely to stay for weeks or months.
The best way to get through is by designating a specific area of your home as a temporary living space. It should be an area that is not being renovated, such as a finished basement, a spare bedroom, or even a corner of the living room.
Create a comfortable living environment in the chosen area by setting up essential furniture and amenities away from the construction zones.
Define Boundaries
Designating a separate dwelling space is a good way to deal with the hassles of an ongoing renovation project in your home.
However, you may still not get the comfort, safety, and privacy you seek unless you define clear boundaries between the construction zones and your living areas. The last thing you want is dust and splinters hurting your children.
Use physical barriers such as temporary walls or plastic sheeting to block off areas under renovation. Consider restricting access to certain parts of the house for seniors, kids, and pets.
Ensure that contractors and workers follow the basics regarding cleanliness, noise levels, and access to amenities like bathrooms.
Stay Organized
Most American homes have rooms harboring clutter because people buy more than they need and have space.
A full-scale renovation project will bring out all the extra stuff from every nook and corner of your house. According to studies, clutter can affect your mental health, making it a bigger concern than you imagine.
Fortunately, you can prevent stress by keeping your living space organized during the remodel. Start small by using storage bins or boxes to store belongings.
Ensure they are out of the way of construction activities. Label boxes for easy identification and categorize items based on their importance or frequency of use.
Utilize the chance to declutter your home and eliminate the extras, whether by donating, selling, or sending them to a junkyard.
Conversely, you may send some items to a storage facility for safekeeping during the project. These steps help you maintain a sense of order and control amidst the chaos.
In conclusion, living in your home during a major remodel requires patience and flexibility. You must also adopt a proactive approach to managing the challenges that arise. You can successfully navigate the process while maintaining your comfort and sanity.
