If you happen to see your neighbors moving out, and you know they didn’t sell their house, they might be on the cusp of undergoing major renovations.
It’s true. Kitchen renovations are difficult to live through when you’ve been in your home for a fairly long time. The idea of a bunch of strangers tearing apart your house, coming and going at will and basically living with you for weeks on end could even leave Martha Stewart a little frazzled!
It’s All In the Planning
These next tips will keep you saner and give some hope that there IS a light at the end of the tunnel.
- Meet with the designer, architect and general contractor to have a thorough understanding of what to expect during your renovation. The more information – the better.
- Have them draw out a timeline for you. It’s comforting to know that you are in the loop, especially when plumbing is going to shut down or electricity turned off.
- Make sure you have a pretty concrete ETA with clauses built-in (in your favor) should they not complete the work on time.
- Try to schedule some time out of the house to regroup and relax. Listening to saws and drills all day long can jar the nerves.
- If you need to leave for a few days, think about all of the essentials, including medications and pets’ needs. Give your designer and general contractor a couple of ways to reach you.
- Plan some meals with family and friends. They are sure to welcome you as your kitchen is demolished. Eating out, aside from being costly, is time consuming and a less healthy way to eat.
Two things to keep in mind:
- Rome wasn’t built in a day.
- This, too, thankfully, shall pass!