Three Tips for a Stress Free Remodel

I waited years for my kitchen remodel and it was finally happening! I had spent weeks designing it. I was so excited. Things were going smoothly until I came home and found the range hood I had designed and drawn out in detail for the cabinet maker had not been made to my specifications. 

Unmet expectations

Ugh!!! I had a moment of panic and frustration. I’d created such detailed drawings because I didn’t want to “settle” on a design that wasn’t my favorite. Then I looked at my living and dining rooms and immediately felt like I needed to scream!!  Everything that had been in our kitchen was now in the living and dining room floor. I felt like the house was closing in on me! Seriously, my living room looked like it was straight out of an episode of “Hoarders.” 

Tips for keeping your sanity during a remodel

As exciting as it is to have a new space created in your home, the stress of a remodel can quickly overshadow it. Here are my tips for keeping your sanity during the process.

1. Expect mistakes – They happen in EVERY single project. Expecting perfection means you’ll be disappointed every single time.  
2. Communicate – Try not to panic if you discover a mistake. The reality is most mistakes have a relatively simple solution. Remember that you and your builders are on the same team. Most conflicts are just a result of miscommunication or lack of communication. Approach them with a “what should we do to solve this problem?” attitude. It will serve you well.
3. Expect chaos for a while – Living through a big renovation is chaotic. Tell yourself it’s ok.  Let go of the desire to keep your home in perfect order. It will only make you miserable. 

Maintain a mindset of curiosity

Much of the frustration and stress you’ll have from remodeling comes from unexpected problems, mistakes and a big mess in your home. This happens in almost every single project. But, it can still be ok. The secret is learning to adjust your expectations and approach these issues from a place of curiosity rather than fear and anger, you’ll not only feel a LOT better about it, but you’ll find a solution a lot faster than you would if you let your feelings run away with you. 

Keep the process fun

Are you in the middle of a big remodel and ready for some relief from the chaos? Or, are you curious to find out what the process of a remodel is really like? A friend of mine once said that there is no happy ending to an unhappy journey. I believe that true. So, let’s make sure the journey through your remodel is as fun and stress free as possible!

As it turns out, my journey was well worth it.  I now have a beautiful kitchen that works wonderfully for how my family lives.  

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If there’s ever anything I can do for you, I’m just one email away!  Email me at kricia@kricia.com and let me know if you have any questions about any part of the remodel process, this IS WHAT I DO all day every day, and I’m happy to help!