Remodeling: Getting Through It

You can't put it off any longer. The kitchen needs to be remodeled, and after years of saving, you finally have the money to go forward with it. While you would like to do most of the work yourself, that just isn't possible. You are going to have to deal with a contractor and all of the challenges that come with a remodel.

Remodeling is rarely simple or quick. Oftentimes, people must move to another part of their home while the remodel is taking place. Some people, in fact, decide that the best alternative is to move out of their home temporarily until the remodel is completed. That way, they don't have to deal with actually living through the remodel. If that sounds like a good idea to you and you have the means to do so, go for it. If you prefer to stay in your home and live with the inconveniences or if moving out is just not in the budget, don't despair. You can survive the remodeling process. Here's how.

First, sit down with your contractor and discuss what lies ahead in great detail. Find out how long they expect the remodel to take as well as what they intend to do. Get everything in writing, especially the start and end date of the project. The contractor will be more apt to stay on track if something has been put in writing.

Stay on top of the budget. Know exactly where your money is going in the remodel and be prepared for unforeseeable circumstances by putting back some extra. While a contractor can give you a breakdown of the budget, they cannot account for surprises like a busted pipe or a change in materials. If all goes as planned, the project may stay on budget and you may be able to use the extra money you have put back for other things. If surprises crop up, you will have the money to deal with them and will not have to break the bank or cut back on something else in the project.

Move to a part of the house well away from the remodel. Study your home carefully and select a site that is far from the remodel and can be adapted to your family's needs. With a kitchen remodel, for example, you may be able to set up cooking quarters in the kitchenette on the third floor. If the site has a separate entrance, that is even better. Your family can come and go as they please without walking through the mess. Whatever site you choose, seal it off to keep out dust and debris from the remodel and set up an air purifier for family members who suffer from asthma or allergies.

Try to keep the remodel in perspective. At best, remodels can be noisy, messy and chaotic, and if you're not in the right mindset, they can get the best of you. Be prepared for things to get crazy and go wrong. Overlook the mess, take mistakes in stride and live by the motto, "This too shall pass."

Take a break when the remodel gets to be too much. No matter how well you try to make the best of things, there may come a time when you can't stand another minute of the chaos and must take a break. Go shopping, see a movie or take a weekend trip. Get out of the house for a while, and you'll return refreshed and ready to face the chaos.

Attitude is everything with a remodel. Do your best to stay positive and keep up everyone's spirits. And when it's all done, give yourself and your family one last gift: a professional cleaning. No contractor can keep the site 100% clean. Dirt and dust will get through the best of barriers. Rather than try to tackle the mess yourself at the end of the remodel, hire someone to do it. The crew will get in there and do it right with the best tools. Then all you'll have left to do is move everything back where it belongs and enjoy your new space!