How to avoid stress during home renovation
Home renovation stress is real. And it can wreak havoc on your family life, not to mention the home improvement project itself.
A lot goes into planning a home renovation: Deciding what you want, figuring out your budget and selecting a contractor are a few – and that’s stuff that happens before the project itself even begins. As the work gets underway, a few ups and downs are likely. But you can deal.
A key to handling home improvement stress is to expect the unexpected. Lots can happen as work gets underway – your contractor may tear up an area and discover termites. Or find galvanized pipes that have corroded and need to be replaced. Both scenarios would increase the cost of the project. How stressful is that? Very. But if you go into it with the understanding that anything is possible – no matter how good the crew is or how cut-and-dry the project seems – the surprises probably won’t sting as much.
Your home is your castle. But a renovation project completely disrupts your home and your life. Often the water is turned off, dry wall is everywhere or everything is covered in dust. It’s hard to play with kids, pack lunches, watch TV or cook dinner when there is a big construction mess around you. You may want to consider staying in a hotel for a few days to avoid the headaches and chaos. It also keeps you out of your contractor’s way for a while.
You might want to consider setting aside a little extra money in your renovation budget to make up for any unforeseen problems, a hotel stay or a change of plans. That way, if the worst does happen, it won’t feel like such a financial blow.
Perhaps most importantly, communicate with your contractor. Trust is key. If your contractor keeps you informed, you’ll be prepared. And, you can relax because you know your home is in good hands.
The truth is, if you can’t trust your contractor – you need to find a new contractor. Otherwise, you will second-guess the work and worry that financial disaster is on its way. Bottom line: Find a contractor with a reputation for doing it right. That’s the best way to avoid a remodeling meltdown
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