You’re finally remodeling your kitchen or bath like you’ve always dreamed. But between the first day of demolition and your first day in the finished project lies dust, noise and disruption to everyday living. How can you maintain order and sanity during a home remodel?
Plan ahead for remodeling
Meet with the remodeling contractor and plan out the length of the project and each phase of the remodel. Determine what materials he will provide with each phase and which you will use. Usually, the building materials are his purview, but you order fixtures and appliances.
Determine when he will need the items you are providing. Coordinate purchase and delivery times so you receive appliances and fixtures just in advance of when needed. Get on this early because you never know when desired items will be on backorder.
Make provisional accommodations
Prepare for workarounds if your kitchen or bath will be out of commission.
If you have an outdoor kitchen, you’ve got a ready-made substitute during a kitchen remodel. If not, determine a room where you can set up a makeshift kitchen. A table or workbench with an electric grill, a crockpot and a toaster oven in the dining room, on the patio, or even in the garage can be your stand-in kitchen. Remind yourself daily that you’re making a short-term sacrifice toward your dream kitchen.
With a bathroom remodel, have a family meeting and coordinate schedules for family member’s use of the remaining bathrooms.
Schedule remodel time getaways
Plan family getaways for part of the project to escape the noise and hassle. Treat yourself for the sacrifices you are making. This is a particularly good idea during demolition when the house will be at its messiest.
Cover everything
In rooms closest to the project, cover furniture with tarps. If the contractor doesn’t already do so, get rolls of heavy brown paper and tape down a pathway through the area, especially to exterior doors.
Remove antiques and valuable furniture from the construction zone entirely.
Clean up each day
A responsible contractor should clean up tools, debris and materials at the end of each day. But take a few moments to scan the ground yourself for nails, screws or tripping hazards that may get overlooked.
Related – It Pays to Think Green When Building or Remodeling a Home
