| Deciding to embark on a home renovation can be a | | | | faulty materials. Such things are uncontrollable, but will |
| very exciting prospect. Additional square footage, | | | | slow down the progress of the renovation. When |
| altering the architectural features of a room, and | | | | giving an estimate on a job, most contractors will |
| having a whole new floor plan opens you up to all | | | | consider such factors in their time line. It would be wise |
| sorts of possibilities. You can spice up your decor, and | | | | if you also add on 10% to that time line for yourself, |
| breathe new life into a once stagnant living space. | | | | just in case. If the job is done earlier, so be it, but if it |
| Renovations can also have a very positive impact on | | | | takes longer than expected, frustration and |
| your home's property value. | | | | disappointment can occur. |
| The drawback of a major home renovation is the fact | | | | Another step you can take to make this whole |
| that your living space will be under siege with | | | | process easier is to tuck away everything in the room. |
| carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and the like. These | | | | If you leave furniture or personal items in a |
| workers will be in your home for months at a time, | | | | construction zone, it will become covered in dust, and is |
| tearing down walls, and spreading construction dust all | | | | likely to get broken. Do everyone a favor and put |
| over the place. Tools lying around, strange people using | | | | everything in a safe place. |
| your bathroom facilities; it's all a bit intrusive. If you can | | | | Communication is a key component of staying sane |
| keep focused on the finish line however, the | | | | during a reno. If you have question or concerns about |
| inconveniences of renovating can be bearable. | | | | a project, say something right away. The contractor is |
| How do you keep calm during such a stressful time? | | | | not a mind reader, so don't treat him as such. And the |
| Proper planning is the best defense. First, if you are | | | | longer you wait to say your peace, the more emotion |
| renovating a single room at a time, be sure to analyze | | | | will become entangled in the situation. Express your |
| all of the purposes that the room will serve. Design the | | | | worries in a respectful manner, and listen to his or her |
| layout based on how you are going to use that space. | | | | feedback. There may well be a very good reason for |
| Then, you will want to select colors, flooring materials, | | | | things to be progressing as they are. |
| and small features such as light fixtures, door handles, | | | | The most effective way to handle a renovation is to |
| and window coverings. While it may seem premature | | | | stay as far away from the house as possible. If you |
| to decide all of these things before the demolition has | | | | can, stay in a hotel or with family. Perhaps rent out an |
| even begun, you will save yourself a lot of grief later. If | | | | apartment during the renovation. This will spare you the |
| you wait until the construction is almost finished, you will | | | | day to day headaches of construction, and keep you |
| likely be tired of the whole experience, and not give | | | | excited and motivated about the whole project. If you |
| these important details the thought that they deserve. | | | | are unable to leave, try to get out for a period of time |
| Also, the longer you wait to decide, the riskier it | | | | every day, just to clear your head and get some quiet |
| becomes if the floor tile or paint color you want is | | | | time. If you stick around for every minute of the reno, |
| unavailable and will take months to arrive. This will just | | | | the noise and the dirt will get to you at some point, and |
| lead to more frustration and longer delays for both you | | | | you'll want to pull your own hair out. Try to avoid this if |
| and the contractor. It is much simpler to make these | | | | possible |
| decisions in the beginning stages, when you are | | | | And remember, nothing relaxes like a nice massage or |
| excited about the project. | | | | trip to the spa. Plan a couple of retreats during the |
| You will also want to plan ahead in the event of | | | | renovation process; your mental health will thank you. |
| problems such as extreme weather conditions, and | | | | |