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Watching HGTV can excite anyone about 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 doesn’t have to be stressful. Here, we share a few things about 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 are one thing you can count on seeing more of during the renovation. If you enjoy a tidy house, be prepared to look the other way. Here are some things that might help keep your home livable 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 dust off or clean up as needed.
- Have a designated area where people can dust off before entering a non-construction home area.
- Keep after it. Don’t wait until 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, keeping it under control and making it easier to breathe as your home is renovated is possible. We also recommend speaking with your contractor, as they may have a few additional suggestions. Check out these five helpful tips to help minimize dust spreading throughout the home.
Increase In Noise
Those with children may say they are used to noise, but may not be prepared for this level. Hammering, drilling, and pounding are just a few of the sounds that will interrupt your regular routine. While some families can relocate for the duration of their remodel, this is not always possible for everyone. Here are a few helpful tips to handle the increase in noise:
- Schedule the construction during your time at work so 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 with reliable internet.
- Send the kids to the grandparents. Little ones have less tolerance than adults, as their hearing is more sensitive than ours. Placing them in a comfortable environment with family can ease their stress.
- 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 do 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, many 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. It is important to be flexible. Remember that 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 and being mentally prepared can make a big difference in how they go. Here are some of our best survival tips to help you prepare for and get through your home renovation.
- Be prepared for what will happen. 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, the contents will likely need to be removed. Having a moving plan beforehand 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 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 more is happening at your home, it is essential 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, it is possible to go through with little stress. View one of our clients’ renovations 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.
Greenbrook Design If your kitchen feels a little outdated, lacks personality, or simply doesn’t reflect your style anymore, you’re not alone. The kitchen is the heart of the home, and over time, even the most loved spaces can start to feel uninspired.
The good news? You don’t need to commit to a full-scale renovation to achieve a custom, high-end look.
Designing a kitchen is one of the most exciting parts of building or remodeling a home. It’s where families gather, meals are shared, and memories are made. But because the kitchen is used so often, thoughtful planning is essential. Even small design mistakes can affect how your kitchen functions day to day.
At Greenbrook Design Kitchen & Bath, we help homeowners avoid common pitfalls and create kitchens that are both beautiful and functional. If you’re planning a remodel or building a new home, here are some of the biggest kitchen design mistakes we see—and how you can avoid them.
The kitchen has always been considered the heart of the home, but in 2026, it’s evolving even further, becoming a space that blends style, comfort, technology, and connection. Today’s homeowners want kitchens that feel warm, personalized, and highly functional for everyday life.
At Greenbrook Design Kitchen & Bath, we’re seeing several exciting kitchen design trends shaping new builds and remodeling projects. If you’re planning a kitchen renovation, these design ideas are defining the year ahead.
We are honored to share that Greenbrook Design has been featured in the January/February 2026 issue of Kitchen & Bath Design News, appearing on page 66. Being recognized in one of the industry’s most respected national publications is an incredible milestone for our team and a testament to the craftsmanship, creativity, and collaboration behind every project we design and build.
Greenbrook DesignWhen it comes to remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, the choices can feel overwhelming. Big-box stores, online retailers, and out-of-town contractors all promise convenience, but there’s something truly special about working with a local design center
