Remodeling a Home While Living In It: Key Tips
Ah, the joys of home renovation – the dust, the noise, the complete upheaval of your daily life. If you’re anything like me, the mere thought of tackling a major remodeling project while continuing to live in your house is enough to make you want to crawl under the nearest pile of rubble and hide. But alas, sometimes we don’t have the luxury of packing up and skipping town for the duration of the construction chaos.
I’ve been there, my friends. Back in 2006, with a newborn baby and a toddler in tow, my husband and I embarked on an absolute monster of a home renovation project – adding a new kitchen, a bedroom, and a studio above the garage. It was, without a doubt, one of the most challenging and stressful periods of our lives. But you know what? In the end, it was all worth it. And I’m here to share my hard-earned wisdom, gleaned from that chaotic year, to help make your own home remodeling journey a little bit easier.
Know Thyself
First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand that renovating your home is inherently stressful, regardless of the circumstances. Whether you’re doing it yourself, hiring a crew, living in the house or not, there are bound to be moments that push you right to the edge of sanity. The key is to take steps to reduce that stress as much as possible – and that’s where the rest of these tips come in.
Seek Refuge (or at Least Respite)
If at all possible, I highly recommend moving out of your home for the duration of the renovation. Even if it’s just for a few weeks or a month, the mental relief of escaping the constant noise, dust, and disruption can be an absolute lifesaver. As one contributor put it, “Construction is a dirty business, and living in a dirty construction zone with drywall dust on your pillow will not make you a very happy camper.”
But I get it – not everyone has the means or the flexibility to temporarily relocate. If you’re stuck hunkering down at home, your next best bet is to create an oasis of calm within the chaos. Seal off the construction zones from the rest of your living spaces with plastic sheeting and painter’s tape, and designate a “safe space” for your kids and pets to play away from the danger zones. And for the love of all that is holy, set up a temporary kitchen somewhere – whether it’s in the garage, the basement, or even just a well-placed microwave and mini-fridge in the dining room.
Lean on the Experts
When it comes to things like plumbing, electrical work, and structural changes, do NOT try to DIY. Hire qualified, licensed professionals who know what they’re doing – it may cost a bit more upfront, but it’ll save you a world of headaches (and potentially dangerous situations) down the line.
And while you’re at it, make sure you’re working with the best tradespeople you can find, not just the cheapest. As one renovation veteran put it, “Things may work out fine, or your frugal decision could turn into a budget nightmare as your toilets overflow during a dinner party because the budget plumber didn’t include a sewer test in his bid.” Do your research, ask for recommendations, and be willing to pay a fair price for quality work.
Plan, Plan, Plan
When it comes to home renovations, being organized and proactive is key. Make a comprehensive list of every single decision you’ll need to make – from flooring and cabinetry to lighting fixtures and hardware. Then, get those items ordered and delivered well in advance, so your contractors have everything they need when they need it.
And don’t forget to build in some wiggle room for the inevitable delays and curveballs. As Liz from It’s Great to Be Home puts it, “Things will be broken, supplies will go missing, delays will happen, and your construction schedule will take a hit.” Having a contingency plan – whether it’s a short-term rental, a stash of extra cash, or just a willingness to be flexible – can make all the difference in keeping your cool.
Take Breaks (and Vent a Little)
Once the hammers start swinging and the drywall starts flying, it’s easy to get completely consumed by the chaos. But don’t forget to step away and recharge, even if it’s just for a few hours. As Liz suggests, “Have a drink and complain a little. It’s incredible how much stress can be relieved with a little venting session.”
And while you’re at it, try to limit visitors and social obligations as much as possible. As the team at Robinson Renovation & Custom Homes puts it, “Save yourself the extra stress and choose not to host friends or family for the duration of the project.” This is your time to focus on your own well-being and the successful completion of your renovation.
Remember: This Too Shall Pass
At the end of the day, no matter how difficult and overwhelming the process may be, it will all be worth it in the end. Your temporary discomfort and sacrifices will pay off when you’re finally able to enjoy your beautiful, freshly-renovated home. And who knows, you may even look back on this experience with a wistful sense of nostalgia (or at the very least, a good laugh) someday.
So take a deep breath, embrace the chaos, and trust that with the right strategies and a healthy dose of patience, you can absolutely survive – and even thrive – during your home remodeling adventure. And ABC Home in Aberdeen, UK will be here to support you every step of the way.
