Nothing is more exciting than the feeling of beginning a significant home improvement project and getting to the finish line! Unfortunately, home improvement projects don’t always go smoothly. Some home improvement mistakes that throw a wrench in the process can result in wasted time, money and sometimes both.
But what if most common home improvement mistakes can be avoided?
Before choosing to start a home improvement project, it’s important to know what to expect during the project. Knowing what steps are required to bring the home upgrade to its completion and how to avoid the most common mistakes can save you a lot of stress.
If you’re remodeling your home, it’s also important to prepare for living at home during a remodel. Gutting a house is very messy work, and can make living there very difficult! Here’s a look at common remodeling mistakes during a home renovation job, and how you can avoid them.
Should I Stay or Should I Go?
The first question to ask yourself is whether you should even be living in your home during the home renovation.
Certain projects are a no-brainer. If you are undertaking a major roof remodeling project, asbestos or mold removal, or extensive floor work, health risks and inaccessibility are prominent issues that automatically eliminate your ability to stay in your house during the renovation. If a remodeling project is going to occupy more than half your house, you will face an enormous hassle trying to move and live among the disturbance. Another factor to consider is how long the bathroom remodel, kitchen renovation, addition or other major project will take.
In other cases, there are pros and cons to both remaining in your home for the duration of the project and leaving to stay with a friend or at a hotel.
The advantages of staying put include:
Saving on the cost of acquiring alternative lodging as well as eating out at restaurants
The ability to monitor the progress of the project
Being in close proximity to handle any issues that arise
On the other hand, the advantages of temporarily moving out include:
Avoiding the accumulation of construction dust, noise, and overall mess
Potentially shortening the project’s timeline for completion
Securing a comfortable place to carry out daily activities without interference or disruption
Enjoying a short getaway to rejuvenate
How to Live Comfortably at Home During a Remodel
If you decide to remain in your house during the remodel or renovation project, you should take steps to preserve your safety and comfort level. Here are a few tips and guidelines for families who are living at home during a major renovation.
Seal off construction-free zones to try to contain dust to designated areas.
Turn off your HVAC system to prevent airflow from causing dust to fly throughout your home.
Remove fragile or breakable items and furniture pieces that are in or near the construction zone.
Move unnecessary items to storage to give you more room in your temporary living space.
Wear shoes in your house to protect your feet from stray materials that could be on the floor.
Keep your children and pets far away from the construction zone not just for their safety, but for everyone’s safety.
Check the construction timeline to know when and where construction crews will be working and consult with them about any construction-free zones that are off limits to protect your privacy.
After the Renovation
Once your major home renovation project is finished, there is still a bit of work to be done to return your home to its previous state of livability. Post-construction, you will want to conduct a deep clean of the renovation site and surrounding areas, although the contractor should have removed all trash and equipment.
From vacuuming upholstery and sweeping and mopping floors to dusting and wiping down window interiors and changing air filters, the goal is to ensure that any construction remnants, debris and dust are removed from your living area.
Once the important clean-up project is done, you are at ease to enjoy the benefits of your recently while resuming your daily routine and getting life back to normal.
READY TO
REMODEL?
Sources:
“Construction Dust.” Electronic Library of Construction Occupational Safety & Health. Accessed online at http://elcosh.org/document/3689/d001228/construction-dust.html
“Live In or Move Out: The Remodeling Dilemma.” Bob Vila blog. Accessed online at https://www.bobvila.com/articles/416-live-in-or-move-out-the-remodeling-dilemma/
“5 tips for living in your home during a remodel.” Momaha blog. Accessed online at https://www.omaha.com/momaha/tips-for-living-in-your-home-during-a-remodel/article_0c8f0376-736d-11e5-a75b-0b281627c9ed.html
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