Most of what we do is home interior renovations (like kitchens, and bathrooms) and also additions and major remodels.
No matter how long the home renovation or room remodel takes, the noise, dust, and disrupted routines can take a serious toll on your patience and peace of mind.
At Vertical Construction Group, we know what it takes to minimize the stress during a home renovation. Here are practical tips to help you survive—and even enjoy—the process.
1. Be Patient and Flexible, But Smart
Sometimes it’s tempting to choose a less expensive tradesman, but the lower price can come with delays or poor quality work. Do your research when it comes to your:
- Contractor
- Plumber
- Electrician
Select the best in each industry that you can afford. Once they’ve started, you will save some stress if you are ready to be flexible, since something almost always goes wrong.
Having a backup contingency plan of around 20% over the contracted price to cover any potential missed quantities of finish materials, ability to have more flexibility with your temporary housing (if needed), unforeseen conditions that could go beyond the contractors contingency – these are all good ideas, and will alleviate stress through an already stressful process.
2. Create An Alternative Space For The One You’re Losing
Even if you are only doing a partial kitchen remodel, you will be much better off if you plan not to use the room at all (to avoid getting in the way of the work or losing a meal to drywall dust).
Designate alternative space for doing everything you used to do in the space that’s under construction:
- Cook with your microwave and a George Foreman grill in a corner of the dining room
- Wash the dishes in the bathtub if you’re remodeling the kitchen
- Plan to shower at the gym if the bathrooms are getting a new look
3. Ignore The Mess
For the weeks or months that your remodel is underway, forget about judgment from the neighbors, house guests, etc.
A home renovation is always messy. Let go of your stress about the mess and you’ll be a much happier camper. You can clean up once the remodel is done!
4. Protect Indoor Air Quality
Don’t allow your home indoor air quality to suffer from the project, with the drywall dust, insulation particles, sawdust, etc.
Make sure the contractor:
- Sections off the renovation zones with dust walls and zipper doors for access
- Make sure a clear construction path and debris location is established prior to starting demo
- Have additional filters if your furnace will be running during the renovation
5. Leave the house
Sometimes no matter what you do, the mess of a construction project is just too much to bear. If you can’t move out completely during your renovation, at least try to plan to be away for a vacation for the messiest part (such as demolition).
Ready to plan your own home remodel or renovation? Contact us to schedule a consultation to discuss your project.
Featured photo source: Pixabay.com
