7 tips to survive a home renovation without going insane

1. Leave home
 

If you can, move out while the renovations are going on. It’s difficult to live around a building site, with noise, dust and dirt, and unfamiliar people in your home. If you do have to stay while one room is being renovated, try to minimise the disruption. Use plastic sheeting and keep out of dirty areas to avoid bringing the dust into clean areas. Set up an alternative room elsewhere – for example, replace your kitchen with a microwave, mini fridge, and coffee machine in the dining room or lounge.

2. Talk it over
 

Make sure that you talk to your contractor or contractors beforehand. Spend time with them to be sure you can trust them, discuss everything in detail so you are sure they know what you want, and arrange meetings to check up on the progress throughout the project. Make sure they know to come to you with any problems or delays so you aren’t panicking about sudden changes to the plan – which are almost certain to happen.

3. Protect your things
 

If you have items you love in the room to be remodelled, pack them away somewhere safe for now. The same is true of items that might be in the path of your contractors, such as in the hallway -  you don’t want them to be accidental victims when equipment is being brought through. If you have areas of the room to be left unchanged, remember to cover and protect them before the work starts so they won’t be scratched, discoloured, or broken.

4. Think About Your Needs
 

Don’t pick styles and quirks for your renovation just because they are fashionable or look expensive. Think about what you really want and need. For example, a breakfast nook might be a great design for a kitchen, but if your family always eat breakfast in the dining area or in a rush on the way out the door, the space might be better used for something else.

5. Organise the Clean-Up
 

Don’t leave the cleaning up to chance. Schedule regular visits from companies who will take away your rubbish for you. This needs to be done while your old room is being ripped out, so that all of the old materials can be taken away, and periodically during the refit so that used packaging and broken materials can go. Don’t allow it to build up!

6. Budget For More
 

It’s very likely that your renovation will go over-budget; almost all projects do. With that in mind, set aside a bit of extra money as your just-in-case fund. You’ll be thankful that you did.

7. Be Flexible
 

Even though your planning might have been flawless, things could change. You might find that the tiles you wanted are sold out, or can’t get to you for another month, or so forth. Be flexible and accept the choices that will save you time and money, rather than sticking rigidly to your original plan. Things might turn out even better than you thought!

Communication is probably the most important tool for keeping yourself sane, and having a bit of flexibility also helps you to sleep easier at night. With these tips, it will feel more exciting and less stressful!

Melanie Saunders is a blogger and content manager at 1300 Rubbish – experts in the field of rubbish and junk removal. Personally, a huge fan of sustainability and green living.

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