2 minute read
Survivinga home renovation
Home own er s invest large sums into improving their homes to make them more comfortable living spaces or to increase their odds of selling quickly. The Remodeling Futures Programatthe Joint Centerfor Housing Studies of HarvardUniversity says U.S. homeowners spend more than $300 billion ayear on residential renovations and repairs. Whether one is doing alarge renovation or asmall remodel, life may be turned upside down during the project. Furnituremay be moved out of the room, walls may be demolished, water or electricity may be turned off, and appliances may be missing or not hooked up. Home improvementsoftendrum up dust and disarray. Such projectscan try the patience of any homeowner, and things may get worsebefore they get better
“Eventhough the project can become somewhat stressful,” said Leila Simonson of Bruckelmyer Brothers Construction of Duluth, “anexperienced contractor can help to establish control of much of the issues relating to the displacement of the homeowner and the control of the construction fallout by prearranging aremodel plan and placing dust barriersaroundthe area being worked on.” Despitethe fact that remodelingcan be taxing, the end result is often worth it. Here’s how to look forward to the silverlining and come out unscathed.
Discuss the project before it starts
All family members should be in agreement beforethe firsthammer is swung. Decide on as many details as you can ahead of time and have afirm plan in place. Establish backup choices for tiles or color schemes in case the items you want are out of stock. Trying to make decisions under duressmay result in bad choices.
“When you choose to an experienced contractor to perform the remodel project, you will find the selection process will be made much simpler by the use of an onlinecustomer portal where all of the decisions will be made before ahammer is lifted,” explained Simonson.
Consider project timing
It’s tempting to want to improve as much as possible at once to maximize motivation and renovation materials. However, having no place in which to escape the mess can elevate stresslevels.
On the other hand, even though it can add to the inconvenience, con- sider the cost effectiveness of getting it done all at the same time, suggested Simonson.
Have everything in place…
Before demolition even begins, have buildingmaterialsbought andstored, contractors and subcontractors lined up, and see what you can do to minimize the time workers need to spend in your home.
…but expect delays
In aworld where things move at lightning speeds, renovations have not gotten thememo. Home projects take lots of time and will likely take longer if you are doing the work yourself in your free time. Build lots of extra time into the project so you are not disappointed when delays happen –even when you’ve done your best to avoid them.
Plan an escape zone
Constructionenvironments can be messy, loud, smelly, and a host of other unsavory adjectives. The chaos that ensues when life is turned upside down can be overwhelming, particularly forthe person who spends the most time in the home while work is being done. Build escape moments into the plan and make sure everyoneelse at home is on board. During the real grind of the project, anight or two at ahotel may be awelcome respite.
