Home renovation is the way to go if you want to breathe new life into your living space. Renovating will allow you to increase the value of your home, improve functionality, and create a more aesthetically pleasing environment. But let’s be honest, they can also be incredibly disruptive. Dust, noise, and the constant presence of workers can make living in your own home feel like an obstacle course.
The good news is: with a little planning and some strategic maneuvering, you can survive, and even thrive, during your home renovation. Here’s how to minimize disruption, maintain a routine, and keep things organized throughout the chaos.
What to Expect During Your Home Renovation
The end result of a home renovation may be nothing short of a wonder, especially if it’s long overdue. Unfortunately, getting to the finish line can be a wild ride. While the specific details will vary depending on your project scope, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect during the renovation process:
Home Renovation: Pre-Renovation
Home Renovation: Demolition Day
This is when walls are knocked down, fixtures are ripped out, and the existing space is prepped for its transformation. Brace yourself for the initial loud noises, dust, and debris.
Home Renovation: Tradespeople
Be prepared for a constant flow of plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and other specialists entering and exiting your home. Familiarize yourself with the schedule and who will be working on what, where, and when.
Home Renovation: During the Renovation
Dust
No matter how good the dust containment plan is, some dust will find its way into unexpected nooks and crannies.
Noise
There will be noise — and lots of it. Expect hammering, pounding, sawing, and general construction sounds.
Disrupted Utilities
Be prepared for temporary disruptions to water, electricity, or plumbing.
The Flow of the Project
Renovations rarely go exactly according to plan. Be prepared for some flexibility and trust your contractor’s expertise when dealing with these situations.
Timeline Disruption
Delays can happen due to unforeseen circumstances. Be prepared for minor adjustments to the timeline.
Unexpected Fixes
Minor imperfections are par for the course in renovations. Discuss your expectations with your contractor and maintain a collaborative approach to addressing any necessary touch-ups.
Budget
While a detailed budget is crucial, unexpected issues can arise. Factor in a buffer of 10-15% to your budget to cover unforeseen circumstances.
What to Do During a Home Renovation
There are a few things that you can do to help deal with some of the chaos and complications that typically come about during a home renovation. Here are some of them:
Minimize the Disruption
Communicate
A good contractor is worth their weight in gold. Discuss your expectations and concerns upfront. Ask about their dust control measures, work schedules, and who to contact if issues arise.
Contain
Confine the renovation zone. Maintain clear access points for workers and avoid lingering in the renovation area for safety reasons. Discuss erecting temporary walls or using heavy-duty plastic sheeting to create a barrier prior to demolition. This will not only minimize dust spread throughout your house but also keep pets, children, and curious adults out of the construction area.
You may also want to invest in the following:
- dust covers for furniture and electronics
- air purifiers
- doormats outside the work area to trap dust before it tracks throughout the house.
You should also have a plan to clean frequently throughout the project.
Carve out a Sanctuary
Designate a “clean zone” in your house, a room away from the renovation that remains dust-free and quiet. This can be your bedroom, a spare room, or even a specific corner.
Deal with the Noise
Discuss working hours with your contractor to avoid disrupting sleep schedules and work-from-home activities. Get noise-canceling headphones or earplugs.
Embrace the Outdoors
When the weather permits, take advantage of your outdoor space. Set up a temporary workstation on your patio, have meals on the deck, or create a “construction escape” area in your backyard. Fresh air and a change of scenery can do wonders for your sanity.
Prepare for Utility Outages
Your contractor will coordinate these outages, but it’s a good thing to have a backup plan. Stock up on bottled water for drinking and basic hygiene. Baby wipes can be a handy substitute for a quick shower if the water is off. Keep flashlights and a battery-powered radio on hand in case of a power outage. Get a portable phone charger to stay connected.
Maintain Your Routine (as Much as Possible)
Schedule Like a Pro
Work with your contractor to create a detailed schedule of the renovation process so you can anticipate disruptions and plan accordingly. Maybe laundry days need to be shifted, or quiet study time needs to be relocated to a different part of the house.
Meal Prep
Consider prepping meals in advance, using crockpots or slow cookers, or investing in a portable countertop oven. Stock up on disposable plates and utensils to minimize clean-up.
Have Takeout (Strategically)
While takeout can become a crutch, be strategic about it. Order family-style portions and have leftovers for lunch the next day. This keeps costs down and reduces the frequency of ordering out.
Plan for Showers
If your bathroom is undergoing a makeover, designate another bathroom for exclusive use. Gyms or community centers might also offer shower facilities for a temporary solution.
Keeping Things Organized
Declutter Before Demolition
Before the demolition begins, take a weekend to declutter the areas being renovated. Pack away anything you won’t need during the project. This will make the contractor’s job easier and prevent your belongings from getting damaged or lost.
Label Everything
Invest in clear bins, boxes, and labels. As you pack away your belongings, label them clearly, identifying the contents and the room they belong to. This will save you time and frustration when you need to access something later.
Get Temporary Storage
If you lack space, rent a temporary storage unit to house furniture, large appliances, and other belongings you won’t need during the renovation. This will free up space in your home and make it easier for the contractors to work.
Purge Post-Renovation
Home renovations often unearth forgotten treasures (or forgotten junk!). Take advantage of this opportunity to declutter further. Donate or sell items you no longer need, and make space for new additions to your home.
Enjoy the Process
Find the Fun
Yes, renovations can be stressful, but try to find some joy in the process. See it as a chance to create a space you truly love.
Celebrate Milestones
Acknowledge the progress being made. Take pictures to document the transformation and celebrate milestones along the way.
Plan a Post-Renovation Party
Once the dust settles (literally), throw a party to celebrate your beautiful new space and the resilience you’ve shown throughout the process.
Bonus Tip: Hire a Professional
The best way to minimize disruption and maintain order during a renovation is to hire a reputable and experienced contractor.
Oak Creek Builders has over 20 years of experience under our toolbelt. We can guide you through the entire renovation process, ensuring clear communication, a clean work environment, and a stress-free experience. Contact Oak Creek Builders today at 903-271-9058 to discuss your renovation plans and get a free quote.
A home renovation is an investment in your future. With a little planning and organization, you can survive (and even thrive!) during the process.
