Reduce Remodeling Stress

It’s a new year, and with that, thoughts of remodeling projects may come to mind. Rather than getting stressed out, there are ways to help you to stay calm, focused and yes even be excited about the anticipated finished projects.   Depending on the scope of your remodel, you may have a big decision to make- should you live in or move out? 

If you stay, you get to monitor the project’s progress, but you also have to deal with the dust and noise. If you move out, rental costs and eating out can easily add up.

If you do decide to stay during a major remodel, discuss what you need from your remodeler to avoid feeling a loss of control that results from disrupted routines and the impact on your personal space. The best way to prevent this feeling is to prepare well, remember that “this too shall pass,” and focus on the progress being made.

Here are some suggestions to prepare for your remodeling project:

A remodeling project can turn your home and, on some days, your life upside down. A kitchen remodel will, of course, affect meal planning. But a little ingenuity and some culinary shortcuts can lessen the impact. Set up a temporary cooking quarters by moving the refrigerator, toaster oven, and microwave to another room. Arrange a dishwashing station in your laundry room. If the weather is warm, fire up the grill and dine alfresco.

Designate a safe haven. Find at least one place in your home where you and your family can escape from the chaos and commotion.

Talk to your remodeler about their procedures to guard against dust.  During a remodeling project, dust has the unfortunate tendency to appear everywhere from lampshades to plates stacked inside your kitchen cabinets.

Turn off central air or heat when workers are sanding and stock up on extra filters so that you can change them often.

Have deliveries made though a designated entrance.

Use doormats and temporary floor coverings where appropriate.

Remove anything that might get damaged by the dust or at least cover it (or ask your remodeler to cover it) with plastic drop cloths that are taped shut.

Most of all, try to maintain a sense of humor. Remember that certain things are out of your control and it’s best to laugh rather than upset yourself about things like the weather or delayed delivery of materials. Let your remodeler handle the details for you.

Try to see the remodeling process as an adventure. Tell the kids that you are “camping in” and transform inconvenience into fun. Along the way, celebrate as different stages of the project as they are completed.