If you have ever lived through a home renovation, you know it can be exciting, nerve-wracking, and stressful. It is a trade off of having the home of your dreams but forfeiting your living space to strangers. Not to mention, it can be one of the larger purchases you make. With that said, there are ways to maintain your sanity and accomplish your goals.
Before the project
- Make sure you are using the right contractor. Interview multiple companies, ask to see their work, check their licenses, etc. to make sure you are using a credible contractor. You should also like who you are working with! You are going to see them an awful lot over the course of the project.
- Start a vision board. This could be a Pinterest board, Houzz ideabook, or a good old fashioned bulletin board with magazine cut outs. It’s your choice, but having an idea of your taste will help the interior designer to understand how to help you.
- Keep a journal. By writing down some questions in the beginning, it will help remind you why you started this to begin with. What is your desired outcome? How will this impact your current living arrangements? How will you take care of yourselves during this time? Visit this journal often.
- Get organized. Pack up the spaces that will be involved in the project. Labeling and organizing will help you to unpack once it’s complete. Move any furniture, make sure valuables are protected, and consider a storage unit if you need to. Often this is an optimal time to purge what you no longer need.
During the project
- Ask your contractor for reference material. They should be able to provide you with a copy of your contract, project specifications, product details, drawings, and a work schedule. This will help you follow along and empower you to understand your project.
- Understand who to communicate with. Your contractor should let you know who to contact for what. Your project manager should be updating you regularly.
- Journal your emotions. Are you tired of eating carry out? Are you inconvenienced by sharing a bathroom with your children? It will help you relieve stress and will be a funny reminder when the project is complete at how far you’ve come.
- Treat yourself. Make plans to do something that brings you joy. It could be a weekend getaway or a simple night out with friends. Whatever it is, just do it.
After the project
- Have your space professionally cleaned. All that beautiful work should be cleaned so that you can enjoy what you’ve endured.
- Hire a professional organizer. When moving your belongings back into your space, make sure they are organized to highlight the renovation but also fit into your lifestyle.
- Throw a party. Invite your friends and loved ones over to celebrate the completion of your project and to show off your beautiful new home.
- Provide a reference for your contractor. Contractors value your testimonial and your feedback so that they can further their business and share your joy with others.