Tips for a Stress-Free Renovation

Are you thinking about renovating? Are you worried about the disruption it might cause in your life?

The good news is that renovating doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Many families have renovated their homes with quite minimal stress to the bank balance (and their sanity) – however preparation is the key and it’s important that the hard work is put in before you pack a single box, to ensure that you get the most from your labours.

1. A realistic plan is one of the most important things you can put together at stage one. This needs to include a schedule of every single task that needs to be undertaken. Don’t forget to take into consideration the comfort of your family – if a particular room needs more time – then don’t forget to allot spare rooms to live in until the renovation is complete.
2. Don’t make important decisions mid-renovation. Choose all of your colours, fittings and equipment before you begin. There’s nothing worse than a prolonged renovation because you have changed your mind or were unprepared for out-of-stock fittings. This only serves to lengthen the process and makes the project considerably more expensive.
3. Don’t be afraid to seek professional help. Renovation contractors are happy to give you tips – even if you are completing the job yourself. Again, you run the risk of spending more if you don’t do it right the first time.
4. Your neighbours can be your greatest ally if treated correctly. Let them know of your renovation plans to avoid noise-disputes. Invite them over for a mid-renovation BBQ and show them the progress. There is a better chance that they will be cooperative if you’re positive from the outset.
5. Keep an eye on the time! Are you planning on starting a job, or having a holiday in the middle of renovations or remodelling? Sometimes it’s unavoidable – but any major life-changes should be kept on hold until after the job is done.
6. Give the kids a break. If it’s a prolonged remodelling job, dust and rubble can cause major health hazards – especially to the little ones, and short breaks away with friends or family can give you all a break from living together in such a stressful environment.

Well that’s all of the tips we have for today – have you “survived” a major renovation project? What are your tips? Leave a comment and share your stories.