Just the word ‘renovation’ itself can already be stressful. It is already nerve-racking to think about weeks of chaos and privacy invasion from people you do not know. Nonetheless, a home renovation can still be done smoothly without it consuming a homeowner.
1. Set a convincing budget.
First, a homeowner must decide on what kind of renovation they want to happen. Second, they must know how big is their savings in the bank. The best way to realize a convincing budget is to incorporate these two things.
If hiring a contractor is being considered, they can also help homeowners in terms of budgeting. When working with them, homeowners must be crystal clear with their preferences to come up with the most accurate and realistic budget.
2. Read reviews and ask around before hiring people.
This can be crucial, especially if a homeowner wants a major home renovation. Hard-earned money is involved, so homeowners would want to make sure that the hired contractor can deliver what is due.
Most trusted contractors are more likely to have an established online presence. Take this as an opportunity to find reviews and feedback about them. Another way is to find the right contractor that will fit the homeowner’s needs by asking for recommendations from friends and family. Word-of-mouth is a powerful tool for both consumers and businesses. Utilize it.
3. Choose materials ahead of time.
Choosing materials beforehand can save homeowners from unexpected expenses. Decide whether the walls should have brick or shiplap siding. Or should the paint be matte or glossy?
As much as possible, homeowners must avoid making decisions in the heat of the moment. Frequently, decisions like this result in regrets and disappointments.
4. Find the perfect timing to do a home renovation.
Wrong timing and unpreparedness can be one of the biggest carriers of stress to homeowners.
Schedule the house renovation at the most convenient time for everyone in the family. It can be during the summer when the kids are out camping. Or during holidays when school examinations are over and homeowners are off-duty.
5. A homeowner’s job in a renovation does not end with hiring a contractor.
Hiring the right contractor is done. Now, what is next for the homeowner? It is easy to leave the whole thing to the contractor until it is done, but that is not how it works.
Homeowners still have to be available for meetings and collaboration with the contractor side during the renovation process. Being aware of the things that need immediate action and decision from the homeowner’s part can avoid delays in completing the job.
This means homeowners must stay involved in the process until the renovation is done. But also, mind how much involvement should be given. The homeowner must not forget to trust their contractor’s expertise.
6. Get everyone in the family to cooperate.
It does not mean to have everyone in the family help finish the paint job. This means to have everyone informed about what to expect and what adjustments they must make as a family until the renovation is over.
The parents might be handling everything okay while the children are getting asthma from dust may not sound so great. Consider them as well when planning for a renovation. The whole family must meet in the middle so everyone can be happy—making the entire process smooth for the household and contractors.
7. Secure the other parts of the house before the renovation begins.
Protecting the other parts of the house should be taken into serious consideration as well. Before the renovation begins, secure the furniture and electronic appliances. A lot of money has already been spent to renovate the house; the last thing a homeowner would want is to spend extra bucks for a new TV.
Keep them together in a room where they can be safe and away from breakage. Albeit these items are already away from the area of renovation, they can still collect dust so consider keeping them in a box or covering them with old blankets.
8. Keep the eyes on the bigger picture.
It can be easy for a homeowner to get exasperated when they see the ceiling and walls separating or when the toilets cannot be used in the meantime. And all of a sudden, stress will start to set in. Take deep breaths and recollect yourself. Remember the bigger picture and your end goal.
The truth is that home renovation can be stressful. But with proper planning and the right mind-setting, renovation can be undertaken without unnecessary stress.
