There is no doubt that staying in your house during a renovation is a very stressful and anxious time. Routines are disrupted, important parts of the home are rendered unusable while others are temporarily repurposed, relative strangers come and go daily and watching a home being semi-deconstructed can have homeowners second guessing themselves.
It takes strong will and faith in your remodeling contractor, but once the journey is over you will quickly realize how it was worth the inconveniences. If you are mentally prepared to stay in your house during a renovation, the anxiety you experienced will melt away as you enjoy your new kitchen, bathroom, basement or addition.
A good remodeling contractor will help prepare you mentally and plan accordingly for the project. What that plan entails depends on various factors. If you are empty nesters there is usually space that can be used for storing items that are being moved from the area that will be remodeled. For a family with young children, the contractor will assess how to execute the plan without totally upending routines.
In our more than 20 years as a remodeling contractor in the Greater St. Louis region, we have seen both and much more including family members with physical disabilities. As we are working with our clients in selecting materials, layouts and other sundry remodeling issues, we are also strategizing on how to approach the project with minimal disruption to the homeowners.
Staying In Your House During a Renovation
- The contractor should provide a schedule with anticipated start and end dates. Sure, these dates can fluctuate depending on unforeseen circumstance, but it is a ballpark estimate and one the contractor should adhere to. A schedule allows you to also plan your life around the remodel.
- A preconstruction meeting should be held where the contractor shares the “battle plan” and asks for your input.
- The lead carpenter will be your go to person throughout most of the project. He will advise you on preparing for the first day even including packing, disposal and lining up off-site storage if needed.
- The contractor should explain to you how the space being remodeled will be protected and what measures will be taken to minimize dust throughout the rest of the house.
- A good contractor is someone who does more than hammer a nail. He must be a good communicator through every step of the process. In turn, you should be open and frank with him. If there are things that are bothering you such as any messes left behind after a day’s work, you should let them know. Do not let issues fester.
- Before the project begins, it should be determine where the contractor and subcontractors are allowed to park. Is there a bathroom in the home available to crews? Emergency contact information, security codes and keys should be shared. It is also advised to introduce the contractor to your neighbors. Remember, they could view your project as an inconvenience to them.
- Are there pets or children present in the home? A good contractor will ask these questions and discuss the precautions they will take to make the site safe for all.
- Understand going into the project that there will be times water or electrical will be shut-off. The contractor should give you a day’s notice when these events will occur.
- Look at it as an opportunity to get out of the house. Try out new restaurants. If you have children, plan family activities to distract them.
- When packing for a remodel, don’t just throw everything in a box or storage container. Think of it as an opportunity to get rid of items you never use.
Remodeling can be a roller coaster ride of emotions with the condition of your house and the faces of those inside it constantly changing. By minimizing surprises and knowing in advance what is occurring next, you’ll survive staying in your house during the renovation, and when looking back on it believe it wasn’t all that bad to endure after all.
