Renovation projects often come with temporary disruptions to a homeowner’s space and routines. Some homeowners choose to live elsewhere during a renovation, but if you are like most people, you cannot easily vacate your home. Instead, you must live alongside the work. Fortunately, there are ways to prepare, and communicating with your renovator is a big part of the process.
Make a plan
Work with your renovator to draw up a project plan that best accommodates your family’s needs. I encourage you to choose a RenoMark renovator. Check the website (renomark.ca) to find one near you. The advantage of a RenoMark renovator is that he or she must abide by the RenoMark code of conduct, provide you with a detailed written contract, offer a minimum one-year warranty on all work and carry a minimum of $2 million in liability insurance.
Scheduling disruptive parts
Talk to your renovator about your household’s daily routine, any planned vacations and any special circumstances that need to be accommodated, so that it can be factored into the workplan and scheduling of your project. That way, particularly disruptive or messy parts, such as refinishing hardwood floors, can be arranged to be done when you are away or worked around your family’s schedule.
Make sure you discuss which parts of your house will be affected by the renovation. Depending on factors like plumbing and wiring, your renovator and work crews may need access to more than just the immediate area being renovated. Clean out the rooms that will be affected by the renovation and consider temporarily removing valuables, such as art, from other parts of your home that could be damaged by vibration or dust.
Extra storage space
Depending on the scale of your project, you might want to rent storage space nearby or bring in a portable storage container. If you are storing things in boxes, be sure to label them with an inventory so you can find things easily.
Alternate arrangements
Make a plan for how you will live in your home while it is under construction. For example, if your kitchen is being renovated, figure out where your temporary “kitchen” will be and what you need to make it work for your family. Plan and stock up on meals that can be easily prepared in your temporary kitchen. Look at how you might be able to utilize your small appliances and your barbecue to fill in for your oven. You will likely be without running water in your short-term kitchen, so make sure you consider how you will clean up after meals.
Living in your home while it’s being renovated will have its challenging moments, but careful preparation and clear communication with your renovator will set you up for success.