How to Survive Home Renovations: Helpful Tips and Tricks

It’s no secret that renovations and home improvements create tremendous strain and require patience. A renovation project will inevitably involve frustrations and conflicts, there's no way around it. 

However, there are many helpful tips you can put to good use to counter this far-from-appealing prognosis and undertake a stress-free renovation project, whether you’re jumping in solo or coupled up.

How to Stay Sane During a Remodel? 

Budget 

Planning a carefully thought-out budget is essential since money plays a crucial part in the decisions that will be made during the course of a renovation project. To avoid spending beyond your means, make sure the hired contractor is aware of your budgetary threshold. That way, they can pick and choose budget-appropriate materials.

Another recommended practice consists of doing an initial walk-through with the contractor so they can have a concrete idea of what needs to be done. They may spot additional areas that need fixing, which will impact your budget.

Request several quotes to get the most favourable rates, there’s no way around it. While doing so might seem redundant and time-consuming, overlooking this step might end up costing you dearly in the end. Furthermore, the first figure presented is rarely the cheapest, unless you’re struck by luck.

Even though you have a much better idea of the renovation costs involved, unexpected expenses are by no means wholly preventable. Repairs that one wouldn’t have thought necessary prior to doing the walk-through with the contractor might need to be carried out, compromising budget adherence. To gear up for this potential outcome, plan an additional 10–20% in your budget for unexpected expenses.

Deadlines

Meticulously planning your project timeline with the different hired companies during the renovation is absolutely necessary. Not only will it streamline each task, but it’ll also discourage you from commissioning additional tasks that will bust your allocated budget. 

Hiring the Right Contractor: A Skills-First Decision

Getting references is a crucial step in hiring a competent, skilled contractor. Family members, friends, or work colleagues can give you the lowdown about contractors they’ve worked with in the past.

Before locking in any decisions, check with Consumer Protection whether complaints or fines are connected to the contractor you want to hire. The Contractor Registry Search can also shed some light on the matter at hand. Moreover, asking for their business licence, permit, or registration number is indispensable to verify that they’re working under a valid licence and can legally carry out the work commissioned. Simply enter the number provided in the appropriate licensing board search engine, whether that be the Régie du bâtiment du Québec, the Home Construction Regulatory Authority, etc.

Note that a contractor must provide you with a quote detailing all the work commissioned as well as the exact associated cost.

On another note, don’t forget to request proof of liability insurance to avoid any problems related to a workplace injury or incident while working. Avoid hiring a contractor who is reluctant to provide personal information or sign a legally-binding contract.

Don’t ever think twice about asking the contractor questions. It’s the single best way to anticipate what’s the come and avoid the crushing anxiety for fear of the unknown. That way, you can be assured that they’re respecting your deadlines and the workload is unfolding according to schedule. 

Quick reminder: If you use RenoQuotes.com to find a trusted contractor, note that our network of professionals is vetted beforehand. You'll only have to fill in a project description form. Once reviewed, you'll be connected with certified contractors, alleviating much of the stress associated with this step!

Be Understanding

While renovation project planning is the key to surviving such an endeavour with a limited amount of anxiety, renovation work always holds a surprise or two. Materials may be delivered later than expected and while a deadline by which the work must be completed is typically set, try to be understanding in the event hiccups hinder your established renovation schedule.

How to Live in a House Under Construction: Stay Put or Leave?

Should you have commissioned a large-scale project, moving out and staying with friends or family members is prescribed. Living in a home turned construction zone means that there's stuff everywhere, constant noise, and dust-filled rooms. The resulting upheaval makes for a considerable source of stress that can be avoided by relocating temporarily. However, you still have to compromise, whether you stay with relatives or not. On that note, you’ll have to abide by the rules set by the people you're crashing with and learn how to live without having all your belongings within hand’s reach. 

Remodeling Together: A Couple’s Test?

It’s a known fact that undertaking a renovation project with your romantic partner calls for a certain amount of risk. The work forces you to live in a disorganized setting, while planning the forthcoming renovations requires you to manage your expectations accordingly.

It’s far from hopeless, though! If certain guidelines are diligently followed, renovating as a couple can yield a fruitful outcome. 

Communication and Compromise

First, strive for open communication between both parties from the beginning of the planning process. It goes without saying that both individuals will want to respect certain wishes that could potentially conflict with each other's. In this context, compromise is crucial to creating a unified vision for the renovation project and ensuring that everyone's needs are considered equally.

When’s the Best Time to Start a Project?

Given that a renovation project requires both time and energy from both homeowners, it’s crucial to agree on the perfect time to jumpstart the project.

If one of the two parties concerned is in the midst of a busy period and their work hours are just piling up before their eyes, it might be better to wait for a more opportune time. Fatigue will likely limit a person’s commitment level, and the additional workload will likely cause acrimony.

A Guide to Planning Stress-Free House Renovations

I Want to Renovate My House, Where Do I Start? Renovation & Building Project Checklists

We put together some handy checklists to help you structure your project to streamline the process. These articles are filled with relevant information about materials, steps to follow, and different factors to consider during the course of a home improvement project. 

Here are our subject-specific checklists:

• Your Go-To Kitchen Renovation Checklist

• Home Addition or Extension - Your Go-To Project Checklist

• Bedroom Renovation Guide: Go-To Checklist

• The Bathroom Renovation Checklist

• Checklist of Steps to Follow: Basement Renovation Project

• Checklist: Roof Renovation Guide

• Checklist: Your Annual and Monthly Home Maintenance List 

Looking to get a renovation project cost estimate? Try our cost estimator!

FAQ to Cope with a House Renovation

How stressful is a remodel?

No surprise here, but a home remodel is stressful and can be a real source of anxiety for some as a result of several factors, such as money worries, uncovering unpleasant surprises, logistical problems, and communication gaps. Be diligent and do your research!

What is the most expensive thing when renovating a house?

It seems that no matter who you ask, kitchen remodels are always deemed the most expensive part of a house remodel. Between premium appliances and new countertops and cabinets, the costs really add up! However, everything can be done on a budget, you simply have to prioritize and hunt down clearance sales. Moreover, you can always upcycle hardware and cabinets instead of purchasing all new furnishings.