Living In a Reno: Live – or Leave?

A renovation project should be an exciting time for you, filled with eager anticipation as you see your vision come to life. But… Do you really want to be there for every fixture and fitting? Live in (temporary) disarray? Figure out how to cook dinner, take a bath, hold a Zoom meeting, or just be when your spaces are in a state of flux? Or do you want that big reveal moment at the end (with regular updates and status checks, of course)?

Renovations can be tough both in terms of the logistical realities, but also when it comes to your emotional state and stress levels! Should you stay, or should you go?

Living In a Reno

Whether a small project or a full-scale endeavor, living in a renovation zone can be challenging. It’s unavoidable that people will be coming in and out of your home, occupying your space, putting up protective barriers, stripping walls or floors, painting, wallpapering… The list might go on and on!

Again, it can be hard to navigate the practicalities of everyday life when there is so much activity surrounding you. It can also feel quite unsettling living in these conditions. You may feel displaced in your own home, and this isn’t a small obstacle to maneuver.

What to do, what to do.

One option is, of course, to simply move elsewhere while the project is in progress. When is this a good move (figuratively and literally)?

• You have a large project on your hands. Generally, if more than half of your home is going to be transformed, it’s often easier to pack a bag and leave for the duration. This is especially true if your interior design plan is part of an overall remodeling strategy (e.g. you’re tearing down walls and ripping out carpet).
• Your major room(s) are impacted. If spaces like the kitchen and bath are involved, living your life in the controlled chaos can grate on your nerves – and quickly.
• You work from home and/or have small children. In these cases, the noise and commotion are not conducive to the calm and quiet you need throughout the day.
• You can build short-term lodging into your budget. Alternatively, you may have friends/family who can put you up.

Leaving may not be an option, or it may not suit you for any number of reasons. What then?

3 Tips to Manage Life During a Renovation

Make your life easier while your design team makes your home more elegant, timeless, comfortable, and inviting:

1. Hire the Right Team. It all starts here, with the right people. As you research various options for renovation professionals, you’ll peruse galleries, read references, and scour reviews. Someone might sound great “on paper” but not be a good fit for you. Besides quality of work (which is critical), also demand communication that is clear, concise, and consistent. Do you trust this person/people? Can you express your concerns? Do they answer questions in a way that works for you? Accept nothing less.
2. Communicate with Your Team. Lack of communication makes a fraught situation even harder. As mentioned, it is crucial to select a remodeling/renovation expert with whom you can speak comfortably. And when you launch a project, make sure that your expectations in terms of updates, reports, questions, change orders, etc., are upheld. How will you communicate? How often? When? Where?Be sure to talk about the work schedule so you know what’s coming, and when. While renovations can be tricky to navigate, knowing what to expect – and that you have a solid team on your side – makes it 100% easier.

3. Prepare. You cannot over plan when living in your home during renovation. Everyday life will be disrupted to some extent, but with a bit of planning, you can minimize the impact. If your master bathroom is the target of your project, for example, you might be down to a ¾ down the hall. If so, make a shower/use schedule so everyone has a time slot that makes sense for them.If your kitchen is in the midst of a makeover, prep easy meals, gather up your takeout menus, or create a makeshift kitchen in another space (e.g. a simple setup of coffee maker, toaster, microwave, and safe hotplate/burner can get you through). Whatever the space, plan around the work.

4. Get out! Even if you don’t move out temporarily, you might consider booking a weekend away or simply taking time each day for a trip to the beach, park, or a local sporting event. Shop or get a manicure! Whatever the “excuse,” embrace it and enjoy some time away from home.Note: If you are staying in your home, that doesn’t mean your pets need to. This might be a good time for a vacation at their favorite boarding facility. They’ll have a blast, and they won’t be anxious or stressed with strangers in their space.

5. Practice Self-Care. It’s easy to forget about yourself during this time. Don’t. Remember to build time into each day for you. It could be anything from sitting together for dinner (even if it’s around the coffee table in the living room) to escaping to your bed with a funny movie. Practice what gives you joy; you’ll find it’s even more necessary, and impactful, during a renovation.

Your Vision. Complete

Whether you choose to live in a reno or leave, our goal is to ensure you love your results. that you get not only your big reveal moment but elegant beauty that will bring you joy for years to come. Don’t be wary of the process; in the right hands, it will be as seamless as possible. In the meantime, just remember your vision… And anticipate the moment when you see it realized.

Connect with Home & Willow Design to discuss your next project – and for expert advice on living in a reno!