Has the renovation bug bitten you? Are you tired of staring at (fill-in-the-blank) sad space in your home, and it’s time to refresh? I feel you! It’s an occupational hazard for me. I can’t walk through my own home without seeing projects that need doing. I get it.
But as you’re considering the project scope, you may feel slight panic as you wonder what living through a full-scale renovation is REALLY like?!
Here’s the truth, it is messy. It is dirty. And it turns your life upside down. Of course, for some people, that’s all part of the experience and no big deal. However, if that doesn’t sound like a fun experience but your project has languished in fear of the unknown, I promise – it will be okay.
Better than okay, it will be great. How do I know? I’ve done it, and I’ve lived it. So here are my top 3 ways you can survive during a renovation…
1. Fully Trust the Process & the Experts
One of the reasons an interior designer is often the first call before a renovation begins is our innate ability to see the project done before the first sledgehammer hits the wall. And we want YOU to see it too. The renovation will be easier live through, and you’ll enjoy it if you feel excited about the completed project.
2. Temporarily Live with Less
In a whole-house renovation, it is necessary to move out. Sometimes this means a rental or staying with family, but at least for the messy beginning, it’s best (required?) to vacate.
If you’re doing a partial renovation, there are workarounds to help get you through, OR you can complete the home in phases.
For example, if you’re undertaking a kitchen renovation, you can create a makeshift kitchen in another space in your home. We recently completed one such reno, and my clients made a kitchen on a pair of banquet tables in their garage with a hotplate, toaster oven, and microwave. A utility sink handled the dishes, but paper plates were a lifesaver!
3. The Process is Worth The End Result
When you’re diving into the process, you probably created a wishlist. Maybe it was a Pinterest board or notebook. Of course, you’ll have the details ironed out once you bring your designer on board. You’ll likely have pretty drawings, floorplans, and samples to play with.
Keep all these pretty things close to you, and keep your eye on the prize! That beautiful kitchen or fancy new bedroom is JUST around the corner!
If you’re ready to trust the process and believe in what’s possible, reach out to us. We can’t wait to hear about your dreams for this renovation.
Xoxo,
Pamela
