One of the most satisfying aspects of being a home remodeler is seeing a client settled back in and enjoying their freshly renovated space. The dust is gone, everything is put back in its place, and the design we helped them plan for many weeks is finally being utilized and enjoyed. Most importantly to us, they made it through the certain inconveniences that come with the semi-destruction and reconstruction of their home. Living in your home while part of it is being remodeled is no fun, but a bit of preparation and proper expectations can make it less stressful for all involved. I have some tried-and-true suggestions for getting through it:
Stay somewhere else – Yes, this article is about living in your home during your remodel, but let’s be real. If you have another place to stay while your project is underway, why wouldn’t you move out? If you don’t have a place to go, keep reading.
Traffic and parking – At any given time there may be several vehicles that need a place to park during construction business hours. Give your neighbors an advance apology for all of the additional vehicles that will be parking on the street.
Dust control – A lot of effort gets put into confining dust just to the work areas of your home, but inevitably some will find its way out. Keeping your HVAC system shut off during the dustiest parts of construction (demolition and sanding) and frequent HVAC filter replacement help.
Pet control – Some dogs do just fine; others like to escape and sprint down the road. Some cats do just fine; others like to find an open floor or wall cavity and become lost or trapped. You know your pet better than your remodeler does, so plan accordingly.
Wall hangings and fragile stuff – If something is hanging on a wall or in a cabinet near where work is taking place, there’s a good chance that vibrations may cause them to hit the floor during construction. Take them down to be safe.
Site access and security – Think ahead about how you want to provide access at times when you may not be home. Spare keys, lock boxes, and alarm codes will need to be arranged with your remodeler at a level you’re comfortable with.
See something? Say something. – As in most aspects of life, communication is key. It’s your home, and you’re spending a lot of money for something you’ll be living with for years to come.
Speak up if something isn’t matching your expectations. A good remodeler will strive to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible in the midst of the dust and traffic.
Brad Little is the president of Case design/remodeling of Charlotte and has been leading a team of award-winning designers and craftsmen since 2005. to view more of their projects and schedule a free consultation, visit www.casecharlotte.com or call 704-759-3920.