Beer? Chocolate? Pharmaceuticals? Figure out what works for you!
I say your sanity, because it’s unclear if I’ll have a shred of sanity left by the time we’re done with our renovation. Undertaking a major home improvement is among life’s biggest stress inducers. What, with all the decisions, expenses, noise, mess, inevitable mishaps, and disruption, renovation is a bumpy road. And let’s not forget the steady stream of workers, each of whom has the capacity to enrich your home and life or make it a living hell. Not that being subjected to three continuous hours of staticky Polish-language talk radio is as bad as it gets; no, that’s just unexpected cultural enrichment!
These tips will help you stay sane while you tackle your big home improvement project.
Set realistic expectations in terms of budget, time and your own skills and knowledge. Don’t take off more than you can chew and don’t expect your first DIY effort to look as good as a seasoned pro’s would. Which leads to my next point.
Hire out when you need to. It’s one thing to bring in a pro at the beginning, bringing one in to undo your work and then redo it is painful to your wallet and your ego.
Communicate. Keep the lines of communication open with your significant other and your contractor. Seek to understand before you seek to be understood. Meaning, don’t go ballistic on someone until you’re sure that person deserves to be the target of your rage.
Take a break. My friend Kelly, who recently completed a family room renovation, suggests taking time out to relax and get away from the headaches of remodeling with a girl’s night out, date night, or a massage. Even a long, hot shower can do wonders (maybe, wait ’til the workmen have cleared out for the day).
Keep calm and carry on. Not everything will go according to plan, but most mistakes can be rectified. Don’t lose your perspective.
Snooze. That boring advice about getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet and fitting in a bit of exercise? It works! (Sometimes chocolate, booze and drugs do, too.)
Photo credit: Me, with help from my chocolate, booze and drugs.
About Kim Moldofsky
Budgeting is also a crucial one, especially knowing how much a DIY renovation may cost you in comparison to hiring a professional.