The Remodel Survival Guide

by: Jennifer “Jen” Boyd

Say “Yes” To The Mess

If you are like me, the very word “mess” may give you hives. We, as most contractors do, take every precautionary measure to contain the mess to the remodel area as best we can. Drop cloths from the work space to the nearest exit are used. Plastic is draped over furniture in the adjoining room. Dust barriers are put up. Construction trash is removed quickly. The problem is, no matter how many precautionary measures are taken to reduce the dust, we just can’t eliminate the dust. Removing an old tile floor, busting out a cast iron tub, and sanding sheetrock are all dusty jobs and dust likes to linger in the air. It can float and travel around your home for days. Being aware and prepared to take on some extra dusting around the house may not be a factor of your remodel you are thrilled about, but staying on top of the dust throughout the project helps. If extra cleaning is not something you care to take on, ask for recommendations of a cleaning service to help with post construction clean up.

Routine Interruptions

Your routine morning may begin with a 9 am wake up and enjoying a nice quiet coffee in your pajamas while catching up on the morning news, or for the lucky few, taking an afternoon siesta. Truth is, during a remodel, the daily routine will be interrupted. If the project is a kitchen remodel, there will be an inconvenience of having to do without the kitchen for a while. Relocating the coffee pot and microwave on a small table in the living room along with a few dishes and cutlery may bring flashbacks of dorm living, but it is helpful to prepare small meals and enjoy your morning cup of joe. If your project is a master bathroom remodel, you will want to relocate yourself to the guest bedroom and bathroom for a few weeks. Only one bathroom in the house you are remodeling? Schedule a trip to stay family or friends while the work is being done. Don’t forget to relocate fragile objects in or adjacent to the remodeling area as well, Moving them to a safe place may not fit in with the decor, but it will prevent accidental damage to your treasures.

Do Not Enter

Another slight inconvenience is being blocked from walking through spaces. We are creatures of habit, especially in our own homes, but keep in mind that a freshly tiled floor, or a newly refinished hardwood floor can not be walked on right away. This may mean you need to block areas that you would typically pass through to allow proper drying time. A physical barrier should be put in place to remind yourself, and your children or grandchildren not to walk through. This also means keeping pets off of the floor as well. The drying time might be a good time for pets to stay with a family member, a friend, or visit the doggie daycare. The good news is this is only for a couple of days.

It’s Noisy In Here!

Construction is a noisy job. From demo day to trim out day there will be sledge hammers swinging, screw guns, hammer drills, shop vacs and more running throughout various stages of your remodel. The noise isn’t pleasant, and it will make telephone calls, watching your favorite daytime television program, or nap time difficult, but the noise is necessary to get to that wonder final finished result.

Well Worth The Stress and Mess

Remodeling is not an easy endeavor and has been know to cause tension in individuals as well as couples. It can be stressful making design decisions and selections, and uncomfortable to have strangers in your home every day for a few weeks tearing things out and making noise. It can be frustrating when a few “hiccups” in the project arise. Keep in mind that your designer, contractor, and installers are professionals who will go the extra mile to make sure you are pleased with the outcome of your project and are taking care of all of the bumps and troubles along the way for you. Having a “freak out moment” will only add to the stress. Keep in mind that the professionals you have hired have your best interest at heart and will strive to make your remodel run as smoothly as possible and complete the work in a timely manner.