Upgrading your home can be an overwhelming undertaking, with countless decisions to make, budgets to consider, and unwelcome surprises lurking around every corner. This task becomes more challenging when you’re already under so much pressure—a scenario that most, if not all, moms can relate to.
Whether you’re implementing minor upgrades or initiating a major project, we’ve put together a few practical tips, designed to help you navigate this typically stressful time with confidence.
Set a Reasonable Budget
Before you begin, set a budget that accounts for labor, materials, and relocation costs if you plan to move out while contractors work their magic. This crucial step defines the scope of the project by outlining what can be realistically done within cost constraints. This way, you can set realistic expectations, move essential upgrades up your priority list, and ensure you don’t compromise your family’s financial security.
In instances where finances may be tight, but upgrades are urgently needed (e.g., you need to make room for a new family member), you may consider taking out a personal loan, provided that you’re confident in your ability to pay it back.
Add Wiggle Room to Your Budget
It’s wise to set aside enough funds to cover last-minute changes, such as opting for more expensive materials due to unforeseen supply issues. Given that most projects cost more than their initial estimates, having wiggle room in your budget will allow you to seamlessly adapt to these challenges. By doing so, you avoid subjecting yourself to financial strain and reduce project delays caused by budgetary concerns.
Entrust Complicated Tasks to the Pros
It can be tempting to embrace your inner do-it-yourselfer (DIYer) to reduce renovation costs. However, while simple tasks such as repainting walls and swapping out fixtures might be manageable, complex roles are best left to the professionals.
DIYing complicated home improvements may only lead to headaches instead of cost savings. In contrast, collaborating with professional companies like Renaissance Remodeling not only ensures the work meets industry standards, but also reduces the risk of budget-blowing mistakes that often arise from DIY attempts.
Beyond guaranteeing that work is executed correctly, collaborating with experts opens doors to design ideas that may not have crossed your mind. They bring a wealth of knowledge to the table, introducing ways to further spruce up your space, such as incorporating child-friendly decor and designing multi-functional rooms that cater to your family’s evolving needs.
Choose Contractors Carefully
Selecting a contractor isn’t just about who can get the job done, but who can do it the best. It’s a decision that can either enhance your home’s appeal and value or leave you with regret, so choose wisely—your renovation’s success depends on it.
While word of mouth can be a good starting point, it’s advisable to complement your friends’ and family’s recommendations with your own research. Check whether potential contractors carry the necessary licenses and certifications and explore their portfolios to gauge whether their style aligns with your vision. Consider reaching out to their past clients to gain a clear understanding of what you can expect. Firsthand accounts of a contractor’s work ethic, communication skills, and transparency can help you make an informed decision.
Accept That Some Things Are Beyond Your Control
Sometimes, things simply don’t go as planned. You can craft the most comprehensive timeline, accounting for every conceivable worst-case scenario, yet still face problems. Whether they involve weather-induced delays or the discovery of structural concerns, these surprises have the potential to disrupt even the most carefully laid-out plans.
When faced with unforeseen challenges, it’s crucial to acknowledge that some things are beyond your control. Rather than fixating on these disruptions and viewing them as setbacks, try to be flexible. By coming up with creative solutions, you not only demonstrate your resilience in the face of challenges, but also show your commitment to achieving your goals.
Infuse Your Space with Your Personality
Home renovations can feel a little too technical. For instance, you choose materials based on their longevity, maintenance requirements, and quality, and arrange your furniture with interior design dos and don’ts in mind.
But amidst these technical considerations, it’s crucial to keep sight of your main goal: to design a space where your family can bond and make memories. While there’s value in practicality and being guided by design principles, you should also allow yourself to break free from these constraints.
Infuse your home with your distinctive tastes, incorporating elements that resonate with you, even if they don’t conform to conventional design standards. Add warmth and personality to your space through furniture and decor, such as amusing floor lamps, colorful carpets, and playful pillows. These can make your space more authentic and special, and actually feel like a home.
Maintain Clear Lines of Communication
Nothing is as detrimental to the success of your home upgrade as poor communication. Maintaining a consistent flow of information between you and your contractors ensures that everyone is on the same page, and that expectations are clear from the start—two factors critical to turning your vision into a reality.
To ensure clear communication, mutually agree on which channels to use, whether it’s email, SMS, social media, or a project management platform. This way, everyone knows the most effective way to reach one another, reducing the risk of confusion.
Space Out the Work
Home improvement projects aren’t just disruptive to daily life—they’re also overwhelming. Addressing everything at the same time, from reroofing to remodeling the kitchen, may only cause unnecessary stress and lead to a less-than-pleasant experience.
Unless you really have to—maybe your in-laws are moving in with you in a few months—there’s no need to rush the process. Instead, space out the work, focusing on one aspect of your home at a time. For example, you might begin with the addition of a new bedroom, take a break once that’s done, and work on other parts of the property when you’re ready.
Pacing yourself not only reduces stress, but also allows you to allocate time for self-care, family fun, and career-related commitments. This can help maintain a sense of normalcy, contributing to a more positive experience.
Wrapping Up
Taking on a home upgrade isn’t easy, especially for moms who are already grappling with the stress of daily responsibilities. But by following these tips, you can begin your project with a newfound sense of confidence, manage it with ease (and more importantly, significantly less stress), and guarantee its success.
For more tips on renovating your home, be sure to check out our blog.
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