7 Tips to Manage Living at Home During a Remodel
Guest Post By: Shawn Stevenson
Living through a home renovation or remodel can be stressful and hard on the family, but with the right strategies, you can make it much easier.
Whether you’re renovating for convenience, to increase value, or just because it's time for something new – there are ways to manage living at home during a remodel process that will minimize disruptions and maximize comfort.
Spring and summer seasons are usually the most preferred time for home renovations due to good weather conditions. Winters can bring harsh weather conditions in some areas, such as snow and ice, which can make it difficult to complete renovation projects.
So, if you are planning to remodel your home, here are some expert tips to help you manage living at home during the process.
1. Begin With One Bathroom At A Time
One of the biggest challenges during a home renovation is having to share one bathroom with the entire family.
To avoid this, try to limit the number of bathrooms being renovated at one time.
This will ensure that you have at least two functioning bathrooms throughout the process.
Also, if possible, don’t schedule your bathroom renovations during the kids’ semester breaks or holidays.
Start with the major renovation, like plumbing, ventilation, and flooring upgrades, before moving on to the fixtures and shower area.
For your new shower installation, you can also easily find bathroom remodeling companies who can just finish the job in one day.
So, just look up shower installation companies near me online, and you will be connected with reliable professionals who will not only provide guidance on the latest shower designs but also complete the renovations in just a day.
2. Remove Essential Items
One of the main things to consider when planning a remodel is making space for the construction crew and their equipment.
This means that furniture, appliances, and other essential items may need to be temporarily moved out of the way.
Don't wait until the last minute to do this. Start clearing out rooms in advance so that you have enough time to properly store or protect your belongings.
You can also consider renting a storage unit or using a temporary moving pod to keep your items safe and out of the way during the remodel.
This will not only save your belongings from potential damage but will also make the construction process smoother and faster.
3. Create a Temporary Living Space
During a home renovation, it's important to have a designated area for relaxation and downtime.
This could be a spare room, basement, or even just a corner of the living room.
Make sure this space is comfortable and clutter-free so you can unwind after a long day of construction.
You can also use this temporary living space as an escape from the chaos of the remodel.
Keep it clean and organized and try to limit any construction-related activities in this area.
This will help you maintain some sense of normalcy during a potentially chaotic time.
4. Control Dust During Construction
Dust is an inevitable part of any renovation project, but it can be managed with the right precautions.
Before starting the remodel, make sure to cover all vents and air ducts with plastic sheets or filters.
This will prevent dust from circulating throughout your home and potentially causing health issues for yourself and your family.
Invest in a high-quality air purifier can help remove dust particles from the air and improve indoor air quality.
It's also a good idea to designate one entryway as the "construction entrance" and have workers use that specific door to enter and exit the house, minimizing the spread of dust.
5. Temporary Kitchen Setup
The kitchen is the heart of any home, and during a remodel, it can be frustrating to not have access to it.
To make things easier, consider setting up a temporary kitchen in another area of your house.
This could be as simple as using a microwave, toaster oven, and mini fridge in a spare room or basement.
You can also use disposable dishes and utensils to avoid having to constantly wash them in a bathroom sink.
Another option is to take advantage of outdoor cooking options like grills or camping stoves.
Local kitchen remodeling experts can guide you through the process, ensuring that your kitchen not only looks great but also functions efficiently. Whether you’re updating the layout, adding new appliances, or simply refreshing the design, their expertise can make a significant difference. Plus, involving the family in decisions like choosing countertops, cabinet styles, and color schemes can turn the remodeling journey into a memorable bonding experience.
6. Designate Areas for Kids and Pets
If you have kids and pets, it's important to plan ahead for their safety and well-being during a remodel.
Designate specific areas of the house where they can play and stay safe from potential hazards.
Consider using child gates or pet gates to restrict access to construction zones.
You can also go for fun activities or outings for the family during the remodeling process to help keep everyone entertained and distracted from the chaos at home.
This could be a great time to explore local parks, museums, or other attractions.
7. Communicate Effectively
Effective communication is crucial during a home renovation, particularly when you reside in the house while the remodeling takes place.
It is imperative to establish open and transparent lines of communication with your contractor, ensuring that your needs and expectations are clearly conveyed.
By doing so, you can proactively prevent any potential misunderstandings or project delays, fostering a smoother renovation experience.
Furthermore, it is equally important to communicate with your family members about the remodeling process and any changes that may impact their daily routines.
Conclusion
Managing a remodel while living in the same home can be difficult. However, with the right tools and strategies, it is possible to stay comfortable and safe throughout the entire process.
With just a few simple best practices, such as managing dust, being mindful of debris removal, and investing in temporary furnishings, you can ensure that your home remains livable.
If you’re planning on putting your home through a remodel soon, make sure you take the time to consider these helpful tips so that you can stay at ease and enjoy a successful remodeling process.
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The opinions and views expressed in any guest blog post do not necessarily reflect those of Michael Helwig Interiors or its Principal, Michael Helwig. Michael Helwig Interiors, and Michael Helwig, do not have any affiliations with any products or services mentioned in the article or linked to therein. Guest Authors may have affiliations to products mentioned or linked to in their author bios.
Shawn Stevenson is a fitness freak, and he has a lot of interests in the field of dieting and exercising. He is a passionate and creative blogger who loves to write on lifestyle, fitness and home decor. His writings are focused on prevailing topics and his long-term vision is to empower youth in making their decisions.