Living through a home renovation can be challenging and stressful. We understand that as a homeowner, it is sometimes necessary, and the only option for some homeowners, to complete their construction projects. We are here to provide helpful tips to homeowners who are planning on living through a home renovation or are currently in this phase of their project.
Planning is Key
Remodeling your home can be complicated as there are many moving parts involved. It is important to put together a detailed timeline with your contractor and stick to it! This will help ensure that trades are working during the allotted hours only. There is nothing worse than receiving noise complaints from neighbors due to trades working at odd hours, this will eliminate one stress factor in your renovation process and make the process easier. If you feel this is challenging to manage as a busy homeowner, consider hiring an experienced project manager to facilitate the trades and ensure timelines are met.
Temporary Living
Keep in mind that the entire setup of your home during a renovation is temporary. Set up a temporary, functioning kitchen with all of the essentials! Know that you may not be able to use all of your regular appliances throughout the duration of the project, so think of new strategies. Make sure to also set up a temporary washer and dryer that will be accessible throughout the project. Plan meals and laundry accordingly and keep in mind that water and electricity may need to be shut off throughout parts of the renovation process.
Designated Areas
Try to section off the accessible parts of your home for work, play, and living. This will help you to not feel stuck or trapped inside the home and allow you and your family to move around more freely. This is especially important if you have children or if you work from home.
Seal Areas
Construction sites can get extremely dusty, so it is important to seal off certain areas of your home from dust. Dust particles will still escape into the sealed portions of your home so regularly cleaning the living areas is important to maintain a healthy interior environment for you and your family. Remember that off-gassing is a common issue as well and fumes may seep through sealed areas of the home. If possible, try to keep small children and pets out of the home whenever possible or try to plan visits away from the home during these phases of the renovation.
Noise
Construction sites are very loud and noisy; this is unavoidable. If you work from home, consider alternative locations you can work from for the length of your home renovation. It will most likely be noisy throughout traditional working hours. Keep small children and pets out of the home when work is being conducted as it will disrupt their daily routines. Once again, ensure that all work is happening during permitted hours to avoid noise complaints and visits from city inspectors.
Storage Considerations
This is a great time to declutter! Any bulky items that cannot be stored within the home will need to be placed in a temporary storage facility or storage container. Make sure you have easy access to these items as you never know when you will need them!
Roll With The Punches
Home renovations are a complicated process so just remember to roll with the punches. Things may not always go as planned, but having a reliable team of professionals to work with will certainly help! Enjoy the home renovation process to the best of your ability and remember this phase of the project is temporary.
