CAN YOU SURVIVE A REMODEL?

The good news is you are finally getting to remodel. The bad news is, how are you going to survive weeks, maybe months of remodeling? It can be stressful, but you can be prepared.

PLAN AHEAD: Establish with the contractor the time frame. See where the work will disrupt your life and make contingencies for it. Consider each family member and their needs. Consider what might or will happen or what could go wrong, i.e. power or plumbing emergencies. Know where you can go for a couple of days in these incidents. Find out from your insurance company what will and won’t be covered in cases of accidents, i.e. dump truck cracks driveway.
ESTABLISH GROUND RULES: Talk with the contractor about the hours and days that the crew will work. If it’s a big job, you may want to consider having a portable toilet for the workers. Think about where they can park their trucks. Very likely the will need to park a dumpster – where? Know that they will need to use your electricity and water for certain trades. Establish an area for them to work – saw cutting, cleaning paint brushes, etc. Be clear on when they will clean the work site – preferable daily before they leave.
FIX YOUR LIVING AREA: Covering the doorways to the work area with plastic will help to keep the dust out of the rest of the house. If you’re having your kitchen remodeled, you will want to consider where your temporary kitchen will be and what you will need: possibly a microwave, a hot plate, a sink, small refrigerator, a place to keep non-perishables, such as, not only food, but bottled water, paper plates and cups. At some point the water will be turned off, so the bottled water will be needed not only for drinking, preparing foods, and clean up, but also bathing and other toiletry items.
PROTECT YOUR BELONGINGS: Protect breakables and delicate items by removing them from the construction zone. Vibrations from the machinery can cause things to crack or fall, so if you can’t move some pieces of furniture (china cabinet, for instance), lay pieces down so they won’t topple and cover the furniture with drop clothes which will add some insulation and keep them from getting dusty. If necessary, have furniture and items stored.

This doesn’t’ cover all the ins and outs of surviving a remodel, but it’s a good start to being prepared and less stressed.