Are you planning to renovate the house you just bought or revive your existing one? Are you also afraid of the stress that might come during the process? Read on to learn tips on how to survive a remodel mess.
Renovating a home can be daunting, mainly when it implies tearing down walls or changing installation. Regardless of the last time you updated your house, little improvements need to be constantly made to ensure a functional, comfortable living space. Or maybe your home needs a little tweaking to feel more vibrant, vivid and welcoming. Either way, you have to research before embarking on this long journey to avoid mistakes. As you may know, a renovation mistake is like a business error – it can cost you both time and money. We cannot contest that remodeling can be an enjoyable experience, but more often than not, it is overwhelming due to the several steps that must be followed along the way.
To make your renovation process smoother and minimize any hassle, consider these simple yet effective recommendations:
Set an appropriate budget
Before starting to update, having your finances in place is crucial. Remember that it is not a usual shopping session that allows for improvisation; home remodel requires the most attention, so you have to balance things and set a realistic budget. Think about how much you want and can spend, and then determine how you are going to finance the project. Everyone wants state-of-the-art materials and items for their home, but it is not always possible to purchase such things, as money is available up to a point. Also, ensure you build some cushion into your budget for contingencies. It is not a rule that once started, the renovation will run smoothly; unforeseen obstacles may come along the way. And do not forget that the larger the remodeling project, the more likely you will need an extra amount of money for additional issues. For example, older historic houses may require a mold abatement plan, as these homes are more prone to such problems than recently built ones. To properly prepare a budget, it would be helpful to plan and consider aspects such as materials used, labor, interior design costs, what needs to be changed, and even structural engineer costs. Moreover, ensure you opt for the right kind of contract, as there are two types: fixed-price and cost-plus.
Research
Although it might be common to choose furniture, flooring, or other expenses at the moment you need them, it is not recommended. If you are planning a full-home renovation, try as much as possible to research everything beforehand; otherwise, you will find yourself in an unpleasant situation where you cannot find what you are looking for or are forced to buy items at a not-so-reasonable price. Thus, document the furniture, decorations, or paint you would like in your home a couple of months before starting the project. It would be ideal to have them at the moment of their installation. This way, you save time and money.
We also recommend identifying the most expensive item you would need to upgrade or replace, as it might be required to tailor it based on dimensions or other features in your house. Personalized items generally take longer to deliver, so do your research in advance and order them as soon as you make a decision.
Search for temporary housing options
Renovation is usually associated with dust and noise, and for a good reason. Tearing down walls, changing flooring, or replacing the roof are just some of the multiple activities that make a home during renovation hard to live in. That is why it is advisable to avoid spending as much time in the construction zone as possible. If you have friends or relatives you can stay with, do not hesitate to ask them for help. The situation is delicate, so they will probably understand and wholeheartedly welcome you into their home. Other temporary housing solutions include short-term rental apartments, mobile homes, and corporate stays. Make sure you carefully balance the options and choose something that aligns with your finances and lifestyle.
If condominium complexes are not possible or you have to supervise the activity in the house during the remodeling process, ensure you have the conditions for a decent stay. Water heating is generally problematic during renovation, as plumbing may suffer changes. Thus, it would be helpful to rent a temporary boiler, as it has an effortless installation and affordable price. Depending on your family’s lifestyle and home’s requirements, you can also choose your heat option. Whether you need hydronic or steam boiler rental, you can find temporary boilers of various types and at very reasonable prices.
We know it can be hard to make this switch in your lifestyle, but remember it is only temporary, and soon you will move into your dream home.
Start with the space that means the most
The order you renovate the rooms in your house is crucial, as it will determine how comfortable you would feel about living alongside an ongoing makeover. In this sense, we recommend starting with your highest priority. The room that requires the most changes should be the first on your list, as in the case you are running out of money, at least you have completed what interests you the most. Kitchens involve, in general, the “messiest” things – plumbing and wiring, so consider starting with them. Meanwhile, you can improvise a kitchenette where you bring all the essentials for cooking and eating.
It is vital to determine in what order you should tackle the upgrades on each room, as this might facilitate the entire process and lead to a smooth renovation. And remember that, during this remodel, you need a safe place to stay, so choose one, and take into account the needs of the other family members, too, especially if children.
A home makeover is, without a doubt, stressful, but if you plan your steps ahead, it can become a pleasant experience you will fondly remember.