Home remodeling can be a great adventure. From start to finish, renovations are usually full of extreme highs and lows. Knowing what to expect during a home renovation can help you prepare for the process.
- Noise: Power tools aren't quiet. If you're sensitive to noise, find out from your contractor when the noise levels will be at their worst, so you can stay away during that time.
- Expense: Even remodels that stay within budget can be costly, and many remodels cost more than expected. When setting aside money for your upcoming bathroom or kitchen remodel, leave yourself a buffer so you can handle the unexpected costs that might arise.
- Delays: No one knows what's going on behind your walls. Asbestos, old wiring, leaky plumbing and other problems can cause delays. Keep in mind that your contractor's timeline is an estimate, and avoid making firm plans that depend on a specific remodel completion date.
- Grime: Demolition, drilling and sawing all create dust that can be difficult to wash away when your project is complete. To avoid a lengthy cleanup at the end of your renovation, move furniture away from the work areas, and cover everything with disposable drop cloths, which are available in your home improvement store's paint department. Be sure to let the dust settle for a few days after the work is finished before you try to clean anything.
- Chaos: Once the remodel gets started, it may be a while before your home looks normal again. Work on your "go with the flow" attitude before the remodel gets started.
- Changes of plan: You may be solidly in the middle of your remodel when you realize that some details of your original plan aren't what you wanted. Keep an open mind and be ready to make changes as necessary.
- Decisions upon decisions: You'll have to make many choices every day throughout the process. Some decisions will be easy, others more difficult. Maintain good lines of communication with your contractor to ensure that your project turns out the way you hoped.
- Trips to the home improvement center: You'll need to make many trips to the home improvement center to buy fixtures, flooring and other items. Leave time for unexpected runs to the store.
- Frustration: No doubt about it, remodels can try your patience. Stay calm throughout the process. If you've done your due diligence and picked the right contractor, it will all be worth the hassle in the end.
- Exultation: Remodels can be a lot of work, but they're worth the investment. When your remodel is finished, have a party to celebrate the end of a job well done.
