With shelter-in-place orders across the country, home renovations are booming. But as a way to make your dream home come true, it’s vital to keep your remodeling project as stress-free as possible. If you’re planning to take on a renovation project soon, here a few tips to make it easier and safer.
Reassess your goals
The first step is knowing what to renovate and if it can be done within your expectations. Setting up reasonable goals early on can help you maximize your budget, prepare for the necessary work ahead, and minimize potential issues.
When evaluating your goals, you need to take into account the following:
- Scope of the project
- Cost of remodeling
- The time frame of completion
- DIY vs contractor services
- Safety precautions
Some projects take weeks or months to accomplish. For example, finishing a basement can take four to eight weeks with an experienced contractor. If you do it yourself, it can even take longer. Keep in mind that you might not be able to use the room while it is still being renovated. Does that time frame work for you?
Another aspect that you should include is safety in the time of COVID-19. How many people will work on your project? Is physical distancing possible while they are doing their tasks in the same room?
Remodeling is all about executing your vision of an ideal home. Being realistic allows you to meet your goals with less stress and worry. Plus, it gives you the chance to actually enjoy the whole renovation journey.
Make it a point to declutter
Did you know that pandemic stress increases clutter? Working from home has definitely contributed to messy rooms as the boundaries between home and work responsibilities are dwindling. But if you’re going to remodel your house, decluttering can do you and your contractor a huge favor.
Research has shown that human brains produce a sense of calmness when seeing images of order and organization. But when clutter dominates the view, it can actually trigger the fight-or-flight response. When this happens, cortisol levels increase, resulting in stress and exhaustion.
By removing clutter before remodeling, you can work on a clean workspace with undivided attention. It will also help you stay organized and focused during the home renovation. This lets you improve productivity and efficiency, and your project might be completed sooner than expected.
To start freeing your home from clutter, follow these rules:
- Only keep things of real sentimental or practical value
- Donate or recycle old stuff that you haven’t used in a year
- Maximize storage space, but don’t overfill
- Keep tools and devices in places where they are being used
Organizing your home can also improve safety when remodeling. Items that are haphazardly placed around can cause accidents. Unused things that just sit there can accumulate dirt and dust, increasing health risks. With the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19, it’s best to deal with clutter to avoid these hazards.
Leave it to a trusted contractor
Some projects are better left to a professional. Complex remodeling plans require expertise to avoid costly errors. But before you call the nearest service provider, keep in mind that you need to explore your options to find the best contractor for your project.
Sometimes, recommendations through word-of-mouth can be helpful. But it’s also important to do your research before making a decision. Performing a comprehensive background check can help you ensure that you’re hiring a trusted professional. Are they licensed? What are their certifications?
Knowing that you’re hiring a reliable contractor offers the peace of mind that they will remodel your home using industry standards and the best practices. While cost matters, the cheapest rate doesn’t always translate into the best option. As such, identify the key areas to splurge your money on. Then, talk to a reputable contractor to see if these requests can be accomplished within your budget. Experienced service providers can provide better estimates, diagnose existing problems in your plan, and offer alternatives.
More importantly, hiring a good professional can save you time and money on future repairs and issues in the long run. Mistakes and poor work quality can lead to complications down the line, which can be avoided if you take the time to find the right contractor for your needs.
Don’t make the mistake of taking on too much work at one time. COVID-19 has already brought a lot of stress factors home; it won’t make sense to have a remodeling project that will overwhelm you in the midst of the pandemic.
Choosing the right contractor to work with is as important as finding a good doctor when you’re sick. Whether you decide to partner with a general contractor or with independent subcontractors, the right team can seamlessly grasp and implement your vision.
