How to Prepare for a Home Remodel

Post by Stacey Walker. Stacey mostly works behind the scenes for Greenbrook Design, managing day to day operations, marketing, sourcing product and keeping the showroom beautifully designed. Stacey also does interior design & home styling for a select number of clients. Find out more about Stacey here.

Watching HGTV can get anyone excited for a home remodel but it is not as easy as they make it out to be. Once the renovation starts certain things take place, the things you were used to doing suddenly require some creative thinking such as cooking or even getting everyone ready in the morning. While a renovation can be a little disruptive to our daily routine it does not need to be stressful. Here we share a few things on what to expect during a home remodel and how to navigate with ease.

Home remodel means more dirt.

From sheetrock to sawdust to increased foot traffic, dirt and dust is one thing you can count on seeing more of during the renovation. If you are one who enjoys a tidy house, be prepared to simply look the other way. Here are some things that might help keep your home liveable during this process:

Hanging some heavy-duty plastic sheets will hinder dust from floating all over the home.
Make sure to have your vacuum handy so people can quickly use it to dust off or clean up as needed.
Have a designated area where people can dust off before going into a non-construction area of the home.
Keep after it, don’t wait till the end to clean everything, try to do a little maintenance during the renovation. This will make the final clean-up less overwhelming.

While there is no way to contain all the dirt and dust in the home, it is possible to keep it under control and help you breathe easier as your home is renovated. We also recommend speaking with your contractor as they may have a few additional suggestions. Check out these five helpful tips as well to help minimize dust spreading throughout the home.

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Increase in Noise

Those who have children may say they are used to noise but they may not be prepared for this level. Hammering, drilling, and pounding are just a few of the sounds that will interrupt your normal routine. While some families are able to relocate for the duration of their remodel, it is not always the case for everyone. Here a few helpful tips to handle the increase in noise:

Schedule the construction during your time at work that way you won’t have to deal with it while at home. If you work from home consider spending a few hours at a local cafe that has good internet.
Send the kids to the grandparents. Little ones have less tolerance than adults as their hearing is more sensitive than ours and placing them in a comfortable environment with family can ease the stress for them.
Step away. If you were planning a vacation this would be the perfect time to do it. Another great option is to take the day off and spend it doing something fun with the family like going to the local park or zoo.

Whether it is you or the children, an increase in noise can be a disturbance but thankfully it won’t last long and if planned right much of the interruptions can be limited during your home remodel.

Shift in plans

Even the best-laid plans may need to be adjusted due to unforeseen issues that arise. It is important to be flexible. Remember your designer knows your budget and will make sure that you stay on target but when they come to you with a problem know that they would not mention it if it were not necessary. Often they will have a plan in place to deal with it so be sure to hear them out. Read more about how to navigate a home remodel here.

Home Remodel Survival tips

Home renovations are not meant to stress you out, and having a plan in place plus being mentally prepared can make a big difference in how it goes. Here are some of our best survival tips to get you ready and through your home renovation.

Be prepared for what will take place, your home will not be the same for some time which means little adjustments to your normal routines are to be expected.
Know where you will move the furniture and additional belongings. If an area of the home is under construction it is expected that the contents will need to be taken out. Having a moving plan before means a smooth transition into the renovation.
Remember the pets. Your sweet fur babies won’t understand why the home is being torn apart but giving them a little extra love and keeping their routines, like feeding times and walks, as much as possible will help them feel secure.
It is okay to eat out. Sometimes we feel bad if we eat out several times a week but when you are in the middle of a renovation that is perfectly normal even if your kitchen isn’t being done. Taking a break from the mess and going somewhere else can be refreshing for everyone.
Get adequate rest. Since there is more going on at your home it is important to get enough sleep. A good night’s rest will help you make the best decisions.

Having your home renovated is not always an easy transition but with a good plan in place and preparation made, it is possible to go through with little stress. View one of our client’s renovation to see how much the renovation was worth it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or spend some time doing research online for more helpful tips like this guide for first-time renovators.

Let us help you

We understand that this is a big decision which is why we are always ready to answer any questions you may have. When you visit our 5,000 square foot showroom you can browse our design experience centers, flooring and countertop samples, hardware displays, and many of the home furnishings we offer. Though this can be a big undertaking, we promise it will all be worth it in the end. While each of our clients have had unique spaces renovated they all agree that the end result was worth the process. Are you ready to have that space you have been building on Pinterest?