How to Survive Your House Remodel!

A master bathroom we completed as part of an addition

Let's be honest. House remodels are stressful. You'll question if the construction company you've chosen can give you the results you're hoping for. You'll be inconvenienced by not having use of the area(s) being worked on. You'll possibly second-guess your choices of color, flooring, countertops, etc.

We understand. A house is the biggest financial investment most people will make. You want your remodel dollars to count. You want the mess you're living through to be worth it. You want your home to be your beautiful haven where you shut out the headaches of life - not add to them.

A lot of the stress can be reduced with some information and preparation, so you don't feel like you're making a huge mistake. You can survive your house remodel by following some basic tips:

1. Use a licensed and insured general contractor who gives you a detailed scope of work and a contract you understand. Ask questions if something isn't clear and make changes if something isn't right. You should feel comfortable, not rushed or pushed.

2. Discuss your hopes and functional needs with the general contractor. If you're not sure of your design style (traditional, industrial, farmhouse, coastal, etc.), use pictures to express what you love as well as dislike. A good construction company will patiently listen and offer suggestions to help you decide on a design you'll be happy with.

3. Realize that the remodel will probably take longer than you would like. An honest contractor will let you know that the schedule given to you is tentative. That's because there are many factors involved in the remodel schedule such as permits, supplier delays, change orders, or surprises when opening walls.

4. Expect dust and noise. Even with zip walls, air scrubbers, and conscientious workers, dust and noise will travel. Pack up items and cover furniture to minimize cleaning. Consider working offsite or bringing your young children elsewhere to nap.

5. Remember your pets. Though we and our tradespeople love pets, we can't guarantee their safety or prevent them from getting outside. Keep them in a closed room or if the noise and activity will upset them, perhaps a relative or friend can pet sit.

We all enjoy the shows on HGTV where we see a design perfectly implemented, the "hiccups" in the process are minor, and the homeowners live happily ever after! That is our company's goal for every remodel. Though, unlike in the TV shows, most homeowners are not able to live off-site during a remodel, we strive to make the process as stress-free as possible. With communication, design assistance, and professional experience let us help you love every space of your home.