How to live through a renovation

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the renovation stage!! Now that you’re one step closer to having your dream interior it’s time to be real with you about the next steps in this process. You may have seen other people going through a remodel and renovation process, but nothing can prepare you for actually going through it yourself. All those HGTV shows only show so much and there are some harsh realities to the very raw renovation process. I’m sure you have some questions. Do I need to find another place to stay during the build? How long will it take? Who, what, when, where, how much?

Here are 5 tips and things to consider to help you live through a renovation:

Consider temporary housing

While the dream is being actualized, the reality is your space is a work site. Contractors, designers and other various teams, project dependent, are in and out kicking up dirt and installing all that lush flooring and wallpaper from the ground up. The actual renovation process isn’t to be romanticized like we do in the design process. Stripped bare bones, your interior is going under a huge transformation and things are going to look a whole lot worse before it looks a whole lot better. The least disruptive thing you can do for yourself, pets and loved ones is to find temporary housing while the project is being worked on.

Plan carefully

If you’ve gone through the pros and cons and end up deciding to live in the space while it's under renovation, consider yourself warned, this process can be a bit of a mess. Between contractors coming in and out, noises and smells of a work-in-progress, it’s important to have a good idea of what’s going on. Knowing the working hours of the contractors and when major installations will be taking place, it’s important to keep good communication with your point of contact. Setting boundaries and communicating your timing and needs can help from turning a dream project into a nightmare.

Pack up what you don’t need

Decluttering before the start of a big project can help you stay organized with the most important and necessary items in your space. Throwing a yard sale, consigning or even donating are all great ways of decluttering your cabinets and closets so when you’re ready to live after the renovation, your space is as fresh and ready for you as you are for it. It can also help contractors do their job easier, without worrying about moving your belongings around with the fear of damaging something of value.

Include budget and timeline contingencies

It’s safe to say not everything will go according to plan. No matter how much planning is done in the design stage, there are just some things a team can’t plan for. That’s why it’s important to always set aside a little extra time and money for spontaneous circumstances that may arise.

Have a sense of humor and keep perspective

While you can’t always control the situation, the one thing you can control is your reaction to these contingencies. Keeping a sense of humor and understanding during this process can help you navigate any additional stress you may feel. Stressors or points of tension and confusion are bound to come up, but it’s important to find healthy ways to let off steam. In times where these feelings are heightened, visualizing the final product can help bring you back to the Why’s of your interior upgrade and remind you of the years to come in a space you love.