Remodeling your home is a big project even if the changes are only minor, but it is also a great way to make an old space feel new while increasing your property’s value. Although remodeling can be quite the undertaking, it does not need to be unnecessarily stressful. With the right plan and mindset, you can beautify your home without the unnecessary burdens associated with remodeling. Here are five tips to help you make your home remodel as stress-free as possible.
1. Plan on not being able to use the space you are remodeling.
It can be shocking to realize how much you use a certain space once you are incapable of accessing it. Whether you are retiling your powder room or gutting your whole house, planning around not being able to use the space can alleviate a lot of stress when remodeling. For instance, if you are redoing your master bathroom, use another one of your home’s bathrooms during construction. Even if the work you are doing in your bathroom does not affect the room’s usability, being able to step away from the chaos of a remodel in progress is a nice way to get your mind off the project. If you are sharing a bathroom during your remodel, try to establish a showering schedule to avoid needless conflict and stress. Sometimes using another bathroom is not an option; in that case, plan on getting the work that prevents you from using the space done at either the beginning or end of the project to minimize the time the space is not usable. No matter the scope of your renovations, planning ahead on not being able to use the project space is one of the best things you can do to reduce the anxieties that come with remodeling your home.
2. Make sure your budget accommodates for unexpected expenses and hiccups.
Even a well-executed remodel can run into issues. From discovering mold to purchasing the wrong materials, remodeling is a haven for unexpected expenses. Budgeting more than you expect to spend can make the surprises that come with remodeling less jarring. While it can be tempting to want to dive into a DIY remodel on a shoestring budget, more often than not it is worth setting aside the extra funds for a professional to avoid unnecessary costs. Ordering the wrong part can be quite the hit to your budget, but it will not be your issue if you work with a professional contractor, who will typically cover those costs. Some of the expenses associated with a remodel are not directly connected to the construction itself. Nothing can make a kitchen renovation more stressful than the thought of cooking in the midst of it. A great way to avoid this hassle is to account for the cost of eating out in your budget. By doing this, you will not have to strain over cooking meals in a less than ideal environment, nor will you have to feel guilty about spending the money eating out. Moreover, setting aside funds to stay somewhere during your remodel can be a great way to avoid the turmoil of living in a construction site. The worst-case scenario you could face by over budgeting is having money to save at the end of the project, which is not a bad problem to have.
3. Differentiate between your wants and your needs.
The beginning of a remodel project is an exciting time. The possibilities of what you can change seem endless. It is great to explore a variety of options when you are planning a remodel. However, when you are finalizing your plans, you must be realistic about what you are going to change. Understanding what your space needs versus what you want from the space is crucial to having a successful and low-stress remodel. It is essential to establish your budget before you start making any planning decisions. With a set budget, determine what changes are needed in the space; then, you can reevaluate and focus on the changes you want for the space. Often, wants and needs overlap, but it is important to separate the two when you are planning a remodel. By doing this, you can know exactly what you are capable of changing in your home, ensuring that the work you have done will fix the most glaring problems your home is facing.
4. Keep to a schedule.
This is always easier said than done. Still, much of the stress that comes from remodeling is associated with the project’s schedule not being followed. There are few things as nightmarish as an ostensibly never-ending home remodel project. One way to ensure a schedule is followed is to make all the decisions about your remodel before you begin the project. Eggshell or off-white? Tile or vinyl? Gas or electric? Every decision big and small needs to be settled before you start gutting your remodel space. Additionally, you will want to check with the city or county about any permits needed or other regulations that must be followed when construction is occurring in your home. When using a professional contractor, ensure you are choosing a trustworthy company with a good reputation. A reliable contractor should be able to finish a project within the planned time frame. That said, it is important to remember that even the best contractor can only control so much. Whether it is a delay on an order or unforeseen illness, lags in a project’s schedule are bound to happen. Never use a contractor who is not insured. Also, account for the time of year when you are planning a remodel. Remodeling when the weather is most ideal can be a great solution to alleviating some of the stress of a remodel. Nasty weather can delay a project and be the cause for setbacks during a remodel. For people in Florida, it is best to avoid major remodels during the peak of hurricane season.
5. Accept that no remodel will be completely stress-free.
It is important to mitigate the stress related to your home improvement project as best you can. Likewise, it is essential to recognize that a remodel will never be completely stress-free, and that is okay! Even when you have done everything right, having your home turn into a construction site can be quite alarming. Communicating your stress with your loved ones can help keep everything in perspective and make the process feel less hectic. Always remember that the state of your home during a remodel is temporary and by the end the space will be full of new life. Few projects in life are truly stress-free, but by following the tips outlined here, your next remodel will certainly be less stressful. 
Andy Baker
Home & Yard Magazine
