Remodeling your home can be such an exciting process as you come up with ideas, choose your finishing touches, and imagine what life will be like once the process is complete. However, with so many moving pieces to manage and budgetary limitations leading to overwhelm, it has the potential to cause some tension. We’re here to tell you that when you have the right plan in place, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Being well prepared is key, which is why in today’s blog we have some top tips for ensuring a stress free home renovation.
Choose Your Contractor Wisely
A reputable, insured, and vetted contractor is the first step to a stress-free remodel. Your home is your biggest investment, so when it comes to large changes, it’s important that you trust and have a good relationship with the contractor bringing that vision to life. A good place to start in finding the best contractor for you is a quick online search to read reviews, gather a couple of options, and set up a meeting to talk with them. Use this as an opportunity to ask them questions about their experience, whether they’ve successfully completed projects like yours previously, and what their values are. You want to work with someone who is going to respect your time and get the job done to a standard that matches your vision. Then before you start the work, make sure you have a contract that clearly states expectations and responsibilities so that both you and the contractor are protected.
Have a Plan
It goes without saying, but if you are having a larger project completed, you will need to plan out what your life will look like for the duration of the build. This could include…
- A clear timeline of the renovation agreed upon between you and your contractor.
- A plan for where you will be living and making arrangements ahead of time.
- Deciding where you plan to store your belongings (so they do not get covered in dust).
- Thinking about the details. For example, if you are looking to remodel the kitchen while still living at home, have menus handy for takeout places you enjoy or freezer meals prepped and ready for the crockpot.
The more detailed and prepared you are ahead of time, the easier the project will be to manage.
Budget and Contingency
You will be discussing your budget in detail with your contractor, but however detailed your estimates are, it’s always best to plan for any unexpected expenses. If they discover a broken pipe, or wiring that is not up to code, it will be essential to fix these things before continuing the renovation so that the home is safe for you and your family to live in. Contingencies give you a fallback and eliminate any unnecessary stress when these issues arise.
Choose your Mindset
Even with a contingency and an excellent contractor who has the experience to prepare you, a renovation is, in essence, a transition. With so many moving pieces, it can take a toll when your life is turned upside down, especially if there are any surprises. Staying positive, sticking to your routine, and having continued open communication with your contractor is essential to staying stress-free. While it may feel out of your control at times, remember that the end is in sight. Soon enough, you will be relaxing in your new space.
Have a Safe Zone
One way to support that mindset is to create a “safe zone” in your home, some distance away from the commotion. There is no doubt that a home renovation can leave a place in a bit of disarray, especially if you are living in your home while it is being renovated. But this way, you can shut the door and have some downtime. This could be a bedroom or a corner of your home far enough away from the work that you can’t hear it.
Ultimately, this all begins with the contractor you choose. At Kegonsa Remodeling and Design, we’ve been in the renovation business for 13 years and our goal is to take care of the details so you can relax and watch your vision come to life. Find out how we can help you here.