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How To Live Through Remodeling
Home remodeling doesn't have to be a horror. Follow these simple, expert tips for sweet construction dreams.
by Sharon Day
October 1, 2005
C
onnie wakes in a cold sweat most nights. Over the past three weeks her dreams of shiny
appliances and sleek granite have evaporated, replaced by daily frights like kitchen geysers and
no-show electricians, while her precious dollars fly out the back door. Wait, Connie, hit rewind!
It doesn't have to be this way.
We've all heard these stories
that make Elm Street sound like Disneyland. Just mention an upcoming bathroom renovation and
worried friends whisper condolences, patting your arm knowingly.
Occasionally, though, someone like Michele Demetriou - who's surviving through a whole-house
makeover - evades terror and even enjoys the months that typically cause frustrated chaos. How does
she do it?
"Everyone said it would be miserable," says Demetriou, a 45-ish native Southerner and mother
of three teenagers who now lives in a town called Novelty, Ohio. "I've chosen to see it as an
amazingly creative process, and consequently, it's been exactly that. I've been wowed by the talent
of each tradesperson - incredible artists! Any completion date the contractor gives, I add six to
12weeks, so I'm pleasantly surprised when they come anywhere near the target.
And, get a project manager - that's the key!"
Make A Battle Plan
Demetriou's advice is so wise, and there are plenty more simple strategies you can use to
prevent a tormented project. For example, before the first wall falls, decide how you'll reroute
daily tasks. Will you make a temporary kitchen in the basement with a hot plate, microwave and
fridge? Remember Fido's needs, too.
Be sure daily cleanup is in your contract, including a good driveway sweep for nails. Insist
that soda cans and sawdust go in the recycling or trash - not inside your new walls. Not only is it
yucky, but also that space needs to be filled with insulation, not garbage. Designate a smoking
area, and provide a bucket of sand for butts.
Jesse Morado (www.renovationcoach.com), president of the National
Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), Atlanta chapter, says, "Consumer horror stories
usually happen when folks take the low-ball bidder. It's far more important to hire someone who's
got at least five years' experience, a clean record at the Better Business Bureau, and is a member
of a professional association like NARI. Call and visit references. Any customer who was happy with
your prospective contractor's work will be proud to showoff her or his home."
Tips For Living Through Construction Chaos
CAPTURE MINUTAE. Carry a notepad each time you speak with your contractor,
recording every request and decision, like "I want the cabinet door to open left to right, put the
bathroom vent on a timer switch and please don't remove the water saver from the new toilet." It's
a great opportunity to strengthen your "graceful assertiveness muscles." Be sure your notes are
added to the contract and initialed by the contractor.
INSTALL RESPITE. Decide from the start what your weekly "open" hours will be, and
mean it. Sanity depends on at least one tool-free day each week; two is better. Also, check for
neighborhood noise restrictions, and include them in the contract.
CREATE A SANCTUARY. Demetriou had her sons' rooms done first so they had a place
to hide during the remaining months of mess. She also claimed a large closet for herself, set with
a small desk, comfy chair and reading lamp.
DOUSE THE LIGHTS. Even paper plates on a rickety folding table feel civilized by
candle glow, and the darkness obscures the ladders in the corner. Plus, treasured family memories
can be etched in these simple moments.
INVITE SOMEONE OVER. New blood dissolves crabby edges and can create a fun
adventure. One of our happiest memories is of a spontaneous midconstruction picnic with friends on
the wall-free third floor - it felt like a tree house!
KEEP LAUGHING. Studies show that daily giggles keep us de-stressed and healthy.
Rent The Money Pit for chuckles and perspective. Assign your 10-year-old to tell a daily joke at
breakfast.
FEEL CONFIDENT. Feel confident by learning some construction basics. Knowing a
plate rail from a chair rail will help you get what you really want. Log on to www.be-jane.com for
helpful articles and animated tutorials designed by and for women. Also, The Ultimate Homeowner's
Tool Guide, by Sandor Nagyszalanczy, displays fascinating photos and descriptions for every tool
imaginable.
REMEMBER THAT IT'S JUST A SHORT PERIOD OF YOUR LIFE. Keep everything in
perspective.
