Survive Home Renovation Stress.
And here we are again at the sweet blog, the sweetest blog online.
The place to be for all fans of the 'Home Concept.'
Today, we would like to address an issue quite relevant to many people: those with relevant past experience and those without:
Renovation.
And, to be more specific - Home renovation.
As many of you may know, renovating can drive people insane.
Like the well-known saying:
"Living through home improvement is like living in the wild - you do whatever it takes to survive."
This process involves a lot of unexpected changes, demolition, reconstruction, Crowded schedules, and basically - Headache.
It is an ongoing nightmare for those who find it challenging to deal with some mess.
In this article, we will go over some of the known challenges in this regard, along with the things you should do to make the renovation go as smoothly as possible.
As always, at the end of the article, there will be a refreshing infographic presentation and a video summarizing its content for you.
'Survive Home Renovation Stress.'
Stay tuned.
Table of Contents
1. Take A Deep Breath.
A very significant point in any renovation procedure is the ability to deal with stressful situations and uncertainty.
It sucks to see your house torn to pieces, even if you know it will be beautiful and new in just a while.
The stress involved in renovation is quite significant. You are under contract with various service providers at the same time. Some subcontractors do smaller jobs you also need to know how to deal with. Sometimes, one job depends on the other, and before you finish one, you cannot start the other (and it is not always the same contractor who performs the work, so you also need to coordinate).
And don't even start with finding a temporary residence (with your family, if you have one) while the works are in progress.
And what about the frequent schedule' setbacks? Cuz, they too exist. Big time.
Many complications examples will require deep breathing in the renovation process. Mentioned above are just a few.
'What about the solution?' you might ask.
Well, the solution (Concerning the mental difficulties, the practical ones, along with their solutions, will be addressed later) is to properly internalize before the renovation process begins that you are about to face a pretty challenging operation to execute, which will require some mental resilience. And whenever a difficulty arises (and there will be lots, trust us), you must apply the same self-calming techniques you came up with before the process. You can read more here about great strategies that can help you deal with stressful situations.
Your very understanding and readiness towards the expected procedure challenges can help you a lot with taking things lightly.
Do yourself a big favor and just take a deep breath! This, too, shall pass.
So tip number one in our - Survive Home Renovation Stress - guide is to come mentally prepared right from the start.
Stay calm. It will pass
2. Detailed Schedule.
One of the most significant generators of difficulty during renovation is the issue of schedules.
It is essential to understand that a renovation is often conducted like a gearwheel when some parts depend on each other.
Often, you will depend on the (successful) completion of one type of work to move forward.
This is why schedule delays are so common in such a procedure since it's impossible to control the beginning and end of various jobs that depend on many variables. Simultaneously.
Therefore, our advice is to prepare a detailed schedule (before starting the actual work) in which you will address in writing those unexpected delays as much as you can.
Plan your schedule and you will not be surprised
The more you plan, the less you will be surprised.
By the way, You should humbly accept the possibility of more unexpected delays, which may still surprise you despite your early preparation.
Be prepared for any scenario.
Here, you can find a great article regarding planning a schedule for your renovation.
Doing so will significantly help you survive home renovation stress.
3. Budget.
You're probably familiar with the quote - "Money speaks louder than words."
Ultimately, the essential thing that will help you complete your renovation process with the same level of sanity you went into with it is the matter of budget.
Dollars to donuts - You will face unexpected expenses in your renovation budget. This is a fact! Accept it! And there's not much you can do about it.
It's almost impossible to plan your budget perfectly so you will not be surprised and spend money you did not think you would have to pay.
You must know that certain things cannot be planned in advance. For example, Suppose you want to fix your home plumbing system, but the contractor will know its current condition only after he destroys what covers it (walls/floor). So right now, you are only aware of the demolition cost, And you have no idea how much more you will have to spend next. Even the contractor himself can't give you answers beyond that.
By the way, one of the characteristics of a reliable contractor is his ability to inform you when he doesn't know 'things.' Unlike other charlatans who are always ready with quick answers.
Our two cents on the matter are to try and build as accurate a budget as Possible (and by the way, you must write it down) while at the same time understanding you may have to spend more than you planned,
It would be best if you give expression to this insight in your overall budget planning. You can indicate it under the - "Unexpected expenses" rubric.
Do your homework thoroughly before the work begins. Understand your needs and, accordingly, what are your financial capabilities.
Then, go out and conduct in-depth market research about the contractor and his capabilities (Don't be shy to demand portfolios from his previous works) and the expected/Unexpected costs. Don't be shy to compare prices. It will save you a lot of money.
Once you have figured out who are the contractors you can afford, write down your budget as detailed as possible.
Many people's well-known mistake is getting carried away with the expenses without realizing what they can afford.
Even if your wife (or husband) is highly interested in a new Italian marble, only do it if you can afford it.
Renovation is characterized by brutal honesty. Suppose you have decided to "go wild" and invest money that you do not have in products that are too expensive. In that case, you will quickly find no money left for the rest of your plans (basic stuff), and your home will look like a small construction site. Pretty suck.
Read more here about the proper planning of a renovation budget.
Understand what you can spend (and what not)
In conclusion - understand your needs and abilities (including unplanned expenses), do market research, and stick to your plans.
Thank us later.
4. Consistency.
Renovation is one of the easiest places to get lost.
Indeed, one characterized by inconsistency, instability, and uncontrolled obsession with any passing opinion/trend may find himself in trouble.
The variety of options/ideas/design styles (and many more) related in one way or another to your renovation operation is enormous.
Before the work begins, You must be decisive in the most precise manner regarding your expectations from the renovation process. So decisive that if someone asks you how you envision your home when the work is finished, you will be able to provide them with a shockingly accurate answer, one that will make them imagine the same picture. And in order to do so, You better come prepared.
Confusion and inconsistency are destructive traits when it comes to a renovation process.
If you fail to come prepared, what eventually will happen is that after a week or two from the beginning of the work, a neighbor or friend may lightly comment on something, and you, in response, will get stressed to the point of considering changing everything from the ground up.
The examples are innumerable. In fact, many people get into dilemmas during the renovation process and start making crazy changes due to their inconsistency. As a result, their budget runs out, and their house turns into some unclear and unfinished hybrid production.
By the way. There is nothing contractors love more than a confused client. For them, your inconsistency is a goose that lays golden eggs. The more confused you are, the more they will profit.
Please do yourself a huge favor and avoid it right from the start.
Understand from the beginning (after clarification and in-depth consultations) what you want and how you want your home to look like at the end of the procedure.
Once you have made up your mind - Stick to it and do not let go.
Choose a plan and stick to it
Doing so will significantly help you survive home renovation stress.
We hope this article - 'Survive Home Renovation Stress' - helps you with your efforts to deal with this issue properly.
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