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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.
Windows are one of the most essential elements in any home—yet they’re often the most overlooked. Gone are the days when windows served a purely functional role. Today, they do so much more than provide natural light and fresh air—they enhance energy efficiency, connect us to the outdoors, and contribute significantly to a room’s overall design and mood.
Whether open or closed, windows allow us to enjoy nature from the comfort of home. But their impact doesn’t stop there. With the right window treatments, you can transform the feel of a space, improve insulation, increase privacy, and even boost the value of your home.
In this blog, we’ll explore what window treatments are, the various styles available, and how they can bring both beauty and benefits to your living space—for you, your family, and your home.
Without a doubt, the most significant statement piece in a bathroom is the vanity, as it is usually the first thing the eye sees. Floating vanities have become increasingly popular, particularly with minimalist, clean, and modern aesthetics. This blog will explore what they are, what designs complement floating vanities best, and the benefits this style can bring to your bathroom.
Granite, Quartz, Marble, or Quartzite?
These are the top contenders when it comes to selecting the perfect countertop material for your kitchen or bathroom. Each one brings its own strengths, aesthetic appeal, and practical considerations—making the decision both exciting and a bit overwhelming.
Granite is a natural stone known for its durability and unique, one-of-a-kind patterns. Quartz, on the other hand, is an engineered surface that offers a wide range of color options and is prized for its low-maintenance qualities. Marble stands out for its timeless elegance and heat resistance, though it requires more upkeep. Quartzite closely resembles marble in appearance but offers greater durability and easier maintenance.
When making your selection, it’s important to consider factors such as heat and stain resistance, ease of maintenance, and of course, budget. Below, we break down the key differences, pros, and cons of each material to help you determine which surface best suits your lifestyle, design vision, and practical needs.
The kitchen pantry is often one of the most underutilized yet high-potential spaces in the home. While it can easily become a catch-all for clutter, a well-designed pantry is a true hidden gem—capable of transforming the functionality of your kitchen. From storing oversized serving pieces to housing everyday essentials, a thoughtfully planned pantry helps keep countertops clear and mealtime prep more efficient.
Whether you have a compact pull-out pantry, a spacious walk-in, or a dedicated butler’s pantry, innovative organization is key. A well-designed pantry not only maximizes storage but also supports the flow of your kitchen. Below, we’re sharing a few of our favorite design ideas and practical tips to help you better utilize your pantry space—and maybe even inspire your next kitchen upgrade.
Our showroom’s grand opening was the culmination of two years filled with vision, planning, and hard work—a dream brought to life through dedication and passion. Now, as we prepare to celebrate our second anniversary, we find ourselves reflecting on how quickly time has passed. It feels like only yesterday that we opened our doors and welcomed our very first clients into the space we’ve come to love so much.
Join us as we take a walk down memory lane and revisit the milestones, challenges, and moments that brought us to Uptown Shelby. This anniversary isn’t just a celebration of time—it’s a celebration of growth, community, and the relationships we’ve built along the way.






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