Nothing’s more exciting than a new kitchen or bathroom.
On the flipside, there are few things less stressful.
Living without a functioning kitchen or being down a bathroom can take an emotional toll on everyone in the family.
Of course, the results will be totally worth the tension and discomfort of having part of your home torn apart for a time.
And there ARE ways to reduce the stress on you and the rest of your family during construction.
Here’s what you need to know to make your kitchen or bathroom remodel or renovation go as smoothly as possible.
1. It’s all about communication
Make sure your contractor has all your contact information, as well as that of your spouse or any other decision-maker.
Keeping the lines of communication open between you and those working on your home is vital to the process.
It’s important that you have a clear understanding of what’s going to happen and what to expect during the construction on your home.
Communication between you and your contractor isn’t the only crucial flow of information.
Everyone who lives in your home should be prepared for what will come.
Have a family meeting and let each person know the steps in the process, as well as any changes to your regular routine or to anyone’s responsibilities.
For example, will your kitchen remodel change the timing of when your son does his weekly trash emptying? Will dish-duty look different?
Try to be as specific as possible.
The preparation will be especially helpful if you have younger children.
2. Head for the hills
There are a lot of variables that come into play, but if it’s all possible, consider taking a vacation or a long-weekend getaway during the time your room is being remodeled.
You’ll be able to avoid the mess and come home to a beautiful new space.
If the project is going to be longer than you can vacation, try to add in some extra evening and weekend activities that will get you out of the house.
3. Make an “under-construction” schedule
This isn’t the schedule for your renovation, rather, it’s an altered schedule for your family to follow during the construction process.
For example, getting ready for school and/or work in the morning may take longer with one of your bathrooms out of commission.
Eating dinner will look different if you don’t have access to your kitchen for a few days.
Make a schedule for what life will look like until the work is finished and life can get back to normal.
4. Plan for the unexpected
Despite the best efforts of your contractor and his team, there may be a hitch in the plan.
You may face uncooperative weather or some other unavoidable delay.
Have the mindset that if something comes up, you’ll remain calm and remind yourself that it’s a temporary setback and the end result is worth it.
If you’re prepared, it won’t be more than a minor speed bump on your journey to your dream kitchen or bathroom.
Relax and enjoy the ride
Think “enjoy” is a strong word when you have an important room that’s under construction?
It doesn’t have to be when you go into the process with the right mindset and do some planning.
Keep the lines of communication open between you and your contractor, as well as within your family.
Before you know it, you’ll be pulling your first freshly baked pie out of your new oven or soaking in your first post-remodel bubble bath.
For help remodeling your home, contact your local experts Virginia Kitchen and Bath.