Surviving a Home Renovation: Your Complete Planning Guide
Written by Artisan Contracting on November 10, 2023
Renovating part of your home is an exciting time. Designing and choosing your new features is the fun part. But when it comes to actually having the work carried out, a home renovation can be quite disruptive and stressful.
“So why go through it all?” I hear you ask. Well, because in the long run, it is worth it. To have the home of your dreams. To have everything working how it should be, where it should be. Luckily, there are ways that you can make the time that your room or house is being renovated less stressful, and, dare we say it, more enjoyable.
Follow our detailed guide below to make your renovation plans go as smoothly as possible.
Know the Cost Involved in Home Renovations
Most homeowners set unrealistically low budgets for their home renovation projects which can lead to unnecessary stress and upset.
Get the Numbers Sorted First
It’s important to do your homework before starting any renovation work. Get project estimates from at least three different contractors, or if you’re doing the job yourself, shop around various home improvement stores.
Leave a Budget Buffer
Depending on the renovation you’re completing, sometimes an unexpected issue can crop up. For example, you may be renovating your bathroom when you notice that the wiring is all outdated and now needs to be replaced. Since unexpected problems can always arise (or you may change your mind on your initial plans), it’s always a good idea to add at least a ten percent cushion to your budget.
Create a Clear Plan of Action
Consider the needs of your household to determine what type of renovation would work best. Is it to improve the functioning of your home? To provide more comfort to family members? Or to add more convenience to your household’s daily living?
Once you determine the reasoning behind your renovation quest, you will need to examine what needs to be done to achieve that goal.
For example, if your kitchen is currently too small for your family’s needs, you need to figure out what your dream kitchen would entail. Be sure to pay attention to three important aspects when creating your plan of action: use of space, light/brightness and movement of people. Considering all three factors will help ensure your planned renovation will be suitable for your household’s needs.
Think About Disruptions
There will be disruption with almost any building work, so think about how this might affect you and the others in the house. For example,
- Your bathroom might be out of bounds, or you might not have use of your kitchen, or temporarily be without electricity or water. Maybe it would be best to move out for a few days?
- Noise.
- Will someone need to reduce their working hours to keep an eye on the progress of the project?
Try to predict issues and then solve the problem. We’ve outlined some key tips below.
Kitchen and Bathrooms
Amongst the most disruptive for most people is not having use of your kitchen or bathroom for a certain amount of time. Will you need to buy a camping stove to cook on? Can you wash the dishes in the bathroom sink? Do you have more than one bathroom? Maybe you could use a microwave?
Keep doors shut
If you are having work done in just one room or area, try to keep the door shut as much as possible to deter dust from entering the rest of the house.
Communication
In the interest of your sanity, make sure that you communicate with your builders – show them where the toilet is – ask them to take off their boots before entering, show them where they can make tea (and buy plenty of tea bags!), and let them know what is expected of them.
Kids
It might be a good idea to arrange for the work to be done whilst the kids are at school to avoid exploring children and potential accidents. If your children are younger, it might be less stressful for you if you go to stay will family or friends for a few days.
Have Realistic Expectations throughout the Renovation Process
There’s no denying the fact that renovations are messy. Although you may know that going into a renovation project, it becomes entirely different when the project begins in your home. You may start to get anxious about how long the project is taking and urge your contractor to hurry up so that your home can get “back to normal.”
But remember, quality renovations take time and should not be rushed. Plus, if a problem arises throughout your renovation project, you need to be prepared for your initial deadline to be pushed back.
What To Do During the Renovation
If you are well prepared, you should find that the renovation is a breeze – regardless of whether they are difficult or easy home renovations. Here’s what you need to do while your plan is in progress.
Communicate Effectively with Contractors
If you have left it to the responsibility of the professionals, make sure that you choose a company that you can trust in, then leave it to them. Arrange regular communication with the project manager, and don’t pester them at other times. This way, they – as well as you, will feel less stressed.
Keep Records of All Purchases
Keep all of your receipts so that if anything doesn’t work properly, is the wrong size, shape or colour, you can take them back.
Protect Your Things
Protect your belongings from damage, dust and debris, but it is worth thinking about putting your most valuable things far away from the renovation worth.
Be Prepared
As with anything which is potentially disruptive, the best way that you can make it as “enjoyable” as possible is to be as prepared as possible. By knowing what’s coming and being prepared for the unexpected, you can ensure that the only butterflies in your stomach have come from the excitement of your renovated home.
Consider Hiring a Contracting Professional
The best way to avoid as many headaches as possible throughout a home renovation project? Hire a home renovation professional!
Artisan Contracting has over 35 years of experience working diligently with customers to bring their dream renovations to life. Besides having access to suppliers equipped with the best in renovation materials, our quoted price is firm (barring any unforeseeable issues).
Check out our Previous Work or Contact Us to get started today!
