Over the years my husband and I have learned how to survive a remodeling project.  We have remodeled a few houses.  3 houses to be exact and we lived in each one of them while we remodeled them.  I can tell you this, living in a house while you are remodeling can be difficult. Here are a few tips that I would love to share with you about how to survive this time of fun as well as stress. 

Tip #1: Tackle One Room At A Time

I say tackle one room at a time but make sure you finish it too!  We moved into this house in May 2018, last year.  The sunroom was definitely on the remodel list.  It was probably a porch at one time. I am pretty sure the original owners closed it in years ago. It is attached to our kitchen.  Eventually, the kitchen will be remodeled as well, but we made the decision to start in the sunroom first.  

Now when you start thinking about a project limiting it to one room at a time is very important.  You want to start in one room and finish in one room. 

Tip #2:  Make a Plan

 

When starting a project that is going to involve multiple rooms it is REALLY important to develop a plan. Especially when some of the parts are going to run into each other.  The sunroom and kitchen are sides by side, logistically. So doing the sunroom first made sense. Now I will say,  MAKE YOUR PLAN FLEXIBLE.  If you do not learn to be flexible during a remodel you will go crazy.  I have learned to say, “That will work.” and move on.  Otherwise, I would go bonkers sometimes.  

Having a plan is going to be similar to making priorities. For instance, if you have children at during a remodel project you may need a timeline for moving or replacing stoves, sinks, etc.  It is no fun to try and cook for the family on skillets and in crockpots.  So having a flexible timeline helps to keep everyone focused on the same goal. Living in the middle of a mess can be difficult and stressful. 

What Does My Plan Need To Look Like

It’s your plan, right? My husband’s plan and my plan do not look the same.  His always has measurements, order numbers and list of supplies on it.  One person may really focus on the project from a different perspective than the other person. That is why sitting down and talking about the project, how it is going to go and when things will be in place is so important. 

Getting everyone on the same page about how it is going to look and having input in that can make a very big difference.  You may have visions of pillows and curtains, while the other person is just thinking about boards and paint. It can be a real source of conflict if later on if those things are not discussed. 

The plan does not have to be complicated. As a matter of fact, I think if you are too crazy specific with it, you may be a little disappointed down the road. Especially if things are not going exactly according to the plan. 

Our Initial Plan

The first time we wrote out a plan it was very simple and just gave some directions and order.  It is important to get some idea of the order you need to go in. You don’t want to take out the old windows until you are ready to put in the new ones. 

Always expect our plan to take longer than expected. It usually takes us twice as long. 

The Plan 

1. Remove old windows.
2. Replace with new windows. 
3. Replace any trim needed.
4. Put new siding on the outside.
5. Paint inside of sunroom. 
6. Replace light fixtures or ceiling fan.

 

Tip #3: Make A Budget

Every project needs a budget. Now some people may groan at this but it really is necessary. Even if you have unlimited funds a budget helps to keep the project running smoothly and keeps things in some boundaries.

Budgets help with decisions like, what type of light fixture should we buy? Budgets will also decrease the amount of stress a remodeling project can cause and the number of disagreements that can occur. Having a budget makes it easy for someone to say, “Maybe we should look at some other choices so we don’t blow the budget on this one purchase.”

Your budget can be flexible too. Sometimes things do cost more than expected. That is why looking around before you start is a good idea. Find out how much things cost and if you can afford the quartz countertop instead of granite. If you can’t, maybe there is something else you can compromise on to get it.

Expect your project to cost you more than planned. It just happens.

Tip #4: Get All Your Supplies First

Make sure you get everything you need for the project before you start. You want all your materials waiting on you not the other way around. You don’t want to be waiting on your materials.

Don’t tear anything out if you are not ready to put something in its place! Joanna Gains and Chip make demolition look like so much fun, but you better have the time and supplies to fix it back before it starts raining or some other unexpected tragedy.

Tip #5: Hire Out What You Can Not Do

We are big DIYers, but when an expert needs hiring we hire one. No since in getting electrocuted or having your work ruined by water damage from improper plumbing.

Some things you may hire out for.

Electricians	Plumbers
Foundation Work	Roofing Work

If you have a friend that can help that is great. We do not have all the skills out there so often times we get bids and hire things out. My husband always says that killing yourself to save a few dollars is not worth it, right?

In Closing

Try not to get uptight during the project. I now that is better said than done. Let’s face it, things do not always go as planned. I never like to hear my husband say, “Uh-Oh or Oh No during a remodeling. They are scary words and usually mean something unexpected, but in the end, everything works out and the result is rewarding. Mainly, because the blood, sweat, and tears came from us.

I will close with quite a few pictures of our sun room remodel. I thought you would enjoy them and the next time you start a project think about these tips for surviving a remodeling project.