How to live through the mess and stress of a home remodel
So you have made the decision to go ahead with your home remodel. You are probably dreaming about that wonderful new space for your family with all the extras you have planned into your budget. You see yourself using your new bathroom, kitchen, basement etc. and enjoying it to the fullest but have you thought about the weeks and even months from start to finish of your home remodel? If you haven't, you should! Have you thought about how you are going to live, or eat while in a construction zone? It's a situation that is occurring more and more frequently as households throughout the country upgrade, replace, and transform their homes on the heels of rising home appreciation rates and low interest rates. Whether you are undergoing a simple two-week remodel or your project is slated to take months you will need to know some of the specifics of how the project will go and how to deal with it. Here are some tips on how to live through the mess and stress of a home remodel-
- Know what is happening. It is crucial that you ask the contractor what specifically will be done, when, and how long each task will take.
- Plan for extra storage. The contractor is going to have extra tools, materials, and equipment in your house to complete the project. In order to help eliminate the mess and stress you will want to find a good spot for them.
- Have the contractor's phone number and other information handy. In addition you should designate one family go-to person so wires don't get crossed and communication and direction stays clear and consistent.
- Plan ahead for the logistics. This will involve all the delivering, shipping, and ordering of materials for the job. Have a system in place so you know what is being delivered and how it is being received.
- Check locks and keys carefully. You might need to share keys with the contractor so make sure you know who is responsible.
- Keep clear. While it is often not practical to simply vacate your house day after day you will need to make sure you, your kids and pets stay out of the way of the work crews. You may want to plan some day activities to take you and the kids out of the house.
- Expect the unexpected and try not to freak out. There are numerous things that go askew during a remodel keep in mind that the bigger the project the greater the potential for problems like late deliveries, strikes, wrong parts, adverse weather, on-the-spot changes, and so on. Try to stay calm and flexible.
- Expect high standards. You have a right to expect high-quality workmanship, but don't expect to get too much more than you're paying for.
- Protect your household items. You will want to plan to cover furniture and carpeting. You may want to put some furniture in storage and have draperies cleaned. A good contractor will help you cover and protect the work area.
- Treat the workers nicely. A word of appreciation, a cold drink or batch of home-baked cookies can go a long way.
- Try not to question every step the workers make. Workers are only following orders and construction specs. Keep your discussions about the project with the authorized contractor.
- Plan ahead on what you will do without water or power if lines are shut off. If you are undergoing a major remodel, you may want to think about renting or staying with relatives or friends, especially if your kitchen appliances are inaccessible during the project. But even if you are not living on site be sure you stay in close contact with your contractor and that you check on the progress on a regular basis. This is not the time to go on an extended vacation.
- Check your insurance coverage before the work begins. If the new work is somehow damaged or destroyed before additional coverage takes effect, you could be responsible for repair costs
- Never make the final payment until the job is complete and the work has been thoroughly inspected. This will insure that your home remodeling headaches do not continue into the future.
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Tags: home remodel home remodel stress of home remodel dealing with remodel mess
