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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.
Walker Woodworking While these inspirational photos spark our imagination, they can also raise a common concern—will that beautiful design actually work for our lifestyle, especially with young children or busy households? The good news is that designing for function in mind doesn’t mean sacrificing style. A luxurious, classy home can also be highly practical and comfortable for everyday living. By thoughtfully blending form and function, you can create a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. And the best part? Elevating your home’s style doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Here are a few easy, functional ways to enhance your home while keeping it elegant and family-friendly.
Walker WoodworkingWhen it comes to most areas in the home, there are things that often get overlooked because they are thought to have little value or impact. The bathroom sink falls into this category, but it holds more value than you may realize. The right sink can add a touch of character to your bathroom space and enhance its overall appearance and style. We have come a long way since the caveman days, when sinks were made from whatever material was handy, such as wooden bowls or even a turtle shell. Today, there are numerous options available as manufacturers have explored various styles and materials to create sinks that suit each homeowner and serve different purposes. With such a wide variety, it can be challenging to determine which one is best for you and your specific needs. Today, we want to explore the selections offered and what they have to offer you.
Greenbrook Design Increasingly, homeowners are not only interested in using eco-friendly products and materials but also in designing their homes to have the least possible impact on the environment. This has led to a rise in zero waste kitchen concepts, with designers seeking to meet their clients’ requests in a way that provides a functional, environmentally friendly, yet stylish kitchen. We know that certain materials are better than others, and incorporating more natural elements into our home is beneficial, but what exactly does it mean to design a zero-waste kitchen or bathroom? We aim to answer that question, while also providing you with helpful tips for your upcoming renovation.
Greenbrook Design The bathroom is a critical part of the home; while we don’t gather for meals and conversation, it is the place we get ready for the day, and one of the last places we go before bed. This means that it should be designed to function in such a way that is beneficial to everyone who uses it. While a bathroom’s primary purpose is to be functional, that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. There are many ways to create a look that represents your unique style and personality, such as through tile and color choices. If you’re considering renovating your bathroom space and giving it some much-needed upgrades and updates, but are lacking inspiration, let us help you. There are several fun and beautiful bathroom trends for 2022. Let’s explore a few of them today.
Walker WoodworkingThere are many elements that make up a room, including color, layout, and decor style, but one key ingredient can add depth and tone to a space: texture. Like many design tools, texture often becomes an afterthought when creating a plan for a new area in the home. Many might even think it has little impact on a design, but that is not true. Texture provides balance, visual weight, and warmth to your home, which is why it should be a part of the planning stage from the start. Texture is not limited to fabrics and furniture, but can also include wallpaper, glass, and plants. Let’s discuss adding texture to your home and creating a space that is inviting to the touch for everyone.
