Buying a home that requires a full remodel can be exciting! However, it can also be stressful. And in some cases, it can become a nightmare.
If you are planning to live in a home where major renovations will be going on, you will need a great deal of patience and be well organized. Let us be your guide!
1— Set a Budget and Keep That Number in Mind
Many people will tell you that you can expect to exceed your renovation budget. Indeed, unexpected expenses are quite common! Be aware that at some point you may find yourself short of funds, so choose materials and decor items accordingly.
2— Go One Room at a Time
Deciding to gut all the rooms that need work at once in the property is probably the worst idea you could have; unless, of course, you don’t live in the house during the renovations. Otherwise, focus on one room at a time. This will be more motivating… and practical.
3— Start With the Room in the Worst Condition (and not the One You Dislike the Most!)
If your kitchen is depressing because of its look straight out of the 1990s, you may be tempted to start with this room. However, if it is still functional, it may not be the priority. The bathroom that is being attacked by mould or the older child’s room that will soon have to accommodate his twin siblings is probably more urgent.
4— Take Mental Health Breaks
When you live in a house that needs TLC, you tend to want to convert it to your tastes quickly. For some, it is difficult to take a break before the house is finished. But the more rooms need to be revamped, the longer the project will take. With this in mind, it is unthinkable that you should devote all of your free time to this task. You must absolutely plan time to relax and have fun.
5— Fill the Fridge and Freezer with Pre-Made Meals
One of the most irritating things when you’re renovating is having to stop at every turn. It’s hard to move things along quickly in that context. Cooking three meals a day becomes a real irritant. The solution: prepare several meals in advance and freeze them. Simply bake or reheat when you need them.
6— Have all the Tools and Materials You Need Before You Start
To get a renovation project off on the right foot (if possible!), be prepared before you start. Do you have all the tools? Have you written a step-by-step game plan? Are the materials in your home or do you plan to buy them at the hardware that same day — and risk not finding them?
7— All that Dust: Focus on Prevention
Those who have experienced having their home turned into a construction site will know that the amount of dust renovations generate can be phenomenal. Demolition, sanding, or cutting of materials creates airborne particles that you not only breathe in, but that also accumulate on surfaces. To avoid a lifetime of dusting, install thick plastics (or fabric) sheets over the door opening of the room being renovated. If it is an open-concept room, create a protective wall by hanging the sheets from the ceiling. Also, cover all furniture. You can also rent a dust collector that will suck up dust as you go.
8— Don’t Hesitate to Hire Professionals
You already know that you must hire a certified professional for electrical work. However, don’t stop there if you feel the need! Is the thought of finishing the drywall truly depressing to you? Does staining the staircase make you feel nauseous? Hire, hire, hire and turn the work over to someone else!
9- Don’t Impose Tight Deadlines on Yourself
The stress of an unrealistic deadline for finishing a room or the entire house is unnecessary. Unless you’re a professional procrastinator, go at your own pace and never let the renovations undermine your morale.
10— Finish the Necessary Basics Before You Decorate
When a room is finished, it may be tempting to immediately decorate and accessorize it. But in order to have enough money for the many other renovations to come, it’s better to incorporate the bare minimum to make the room functional, and nothing else. Magazine-worthy interior decor can wait!
During your home renovation project, the important thing to remember is that there is no point in making your life more difficult than it needs to be. Undertaking renovations on your own is a big enough challenge and asking for help is often necessary. We wish you a stress-free and surprise-free renovation!