Photo by Prostock-Studio via iStock
Starting a home renovation means you are one step closer to your dream home. It should be an exciting time for you and your family.
To ensure all goes well, here are ten tips for surviving a home renovation that can make it easier on yourself and your wallet.
Table of Contents:
- #1: Establish You Work, Live, and Play Areas
- #2: Protect Kids, Pets, and the Elderly
- #3: Choose the Right Season
- #4: Rent a Storage Container
- #5: Protect Your Air Quality
- #6: Set and Stick to a Realistic Budget
- #7: Develop Bathroom Plans
- #8: Set Up Temporary Kitchen
- #9: Avoid Making Too Many Last-Minute Changes
- #10: Know Your Limits
- Conclusion: Remember, It Will All Be Worth It
Home Renovation Tip #1: Establish Your Work, Live, and Play Areas
Photo by Prostock-Studio via Istock
Before the chaos of the renovation process begins, you want to ensure that there are clear boundaries between areas where people will be working, living, and playing.
Setting up a renovation-free zone can help you enjoy your space without worrying about dust or construction workers.
Get additional home renovation tips from XO, MaCenna in the video above. You’ll find that MaCenna has tons of fantastic home renovation, DIY, and thrifting ideas!
#2: Protect Kids, Pets, and the Elderly
The number one cause of home accidents is kids and pets. They often wander away from parents and caregivers while playing. To avoid injuries, install gates around work areas during your home renovation to keep curious toddlers or pets out of dangerous places.
It would help if you also considered installing security cameras in all rooms that pose risks to children or pets. Finally, hire a pet sitter if your family plans on spending several days renovating your house.
If you care for an elderly, sick, or disabled person at home, you must also protect them. For example, you can ensure they stay inside during renovations or move them all together to another location. Make sure you have enough help available to assist with their safety and comfort.
Home Renovation Tip #3: Choose the Right Season
You also want to ensure the time is right in terms of weather. This is because certain seasons require more attention than others. For instance, winter requires extra insulation and heat. Summer means you need air conditioning. Spring and autumn suggest you prepare for seasonal changes like changing windows and doors.
If you plan on having contractors come into your house during the winter months, you need to ensure that the temperature is comfortable enough for them to work.
Also, if you plan on using power tools, you may want to wait until springtime since these machines use electricity. In addition, if you plan on painting your walls, you should wait until summer because the paint dries faster in warmer temperatures.
#4: Rent a Storage Container
Renting a storage container is one of many ways you can clear out clutter before starting your home renovation. By renting a storage unit, you can store items such as furniture, appliances, precious items, and even construction materials.
Then, when you return home after finishing your renovation, you can simply load everything back into the container and take it to your new home.
Another option is to find offsite storage unit rentals. These units are usually located outside your city or town. You may need to pay an affordable fee every month to rent the unit.
Home Renovation Tip #5: Protect Your Air Quality
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A homeowner’s stress level during a remodel is already likely to be high without adding the additional burden of worrying about indoor air quality. Dust, mold, allergens, and even radon are some things that can make breathing hard to breathe inside your home. We suggest getting an air purifier to remove dust and allergens from the air.
For consideration, Levoit Air Purifier is a great choice. It features HEPA filtration technology which removes 99.97% of airborne particles, including pollen, dander, smoke, bacteria, viruses, and more. Keep them everywhere you need them, especially in your children’s rooms, because they tend to be sensitive to dust-prone areas.
#6: Set and Stick to a Realistic Budget
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The horror of a home renovation budget overrun is real. While it’s important to set a realistic budget, it is also wise to set aside money to cover any unforeseen expenses. So try your best to stick to your budget. But don’t fuss too much when things get out of your control.
Home Renovation Tip #7: Develop Bathroom Plans
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If your house has multiple bathrooms, ensure you renovate only one at a time. It is also wise to keep only essential items during bathroom remodel. For example, save space by moving your hairdryers, mirrors, and other secondary items away while renovating.
#8: Set Up Temporary Kitchen
Is it possible to eat at home during a home renovation? Yes! It requires preparation and forethought, especially if you adjust your expectations. The aim is to avoid relying on food delivery services and eating out every night.
In the video below by Mr Cabinet Care, you’ll find some great tips on how to survive in a temporary kitchen.
Some of the other things you can do:
- Find an empty area to serve as a temporary kitchenette
- Use bookshelves to store kitchen and eating utensils
- Take advantage of microwaves and portable stoves
- Create a temporary kitchen sink in your bathroom
- Ensure you have a spot where you can plug in your fridge
Of course, some days may be harder to deal with cooking than the rest. So allow yourself to enjoy frozen meals in desperate situations.
Home Renovation Tip #9: Avoid Making Too Many Last-Minute Changes
This might be obvious, but we still see people making last-minute changes. This could lead to problems later on. For example, if you decide to change the color of your walls or flooring, you may need to hire professionals to complete the job. Check out our DIY flooring ideas for some useful tips.
#10: Know Your Limits
Living in your home during a home renovation is a great way to save money and avoid moving during remodeling.
But, you must know your limits. If the situation becomes too much, consider moving temporarily until you finish your project. Then, as long as you’ve tried your best, there is no reason to feel guilty about spending money on renting a place for some peace time.
Remember, It Will All Be Worth It!
Photo by Marco VDM via iStock
In conclusion, remodeling your home is a daunting process. But think about the fruit of your labor!
You can live comfortably in your beautiful home for a long time. So, don’t worry so much about the small stuff. Just focus on what matters most – your forever home.
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