If you’ve been considering a major or minor home renovation but haven’t taken the plunge yet, is it because you’re afraid of the added stress? If so, you’re not alone. Many people have heard home renovation horror stories that keep them from starting or make them timidly enter the process.
Renovation and remodeling stress can take on many forms from arguing over kitchen layout to disagreeing on budget. You can work through it by knowing some common triggers of stress and having some strategies to help you cope. So if you’ve been putting off a renovation or project, check out these 6 common causes of stress and our best tips to avoid them.
1. Unknown Factors
For many homeowners, the fear of the unknown or not knowing where to begin with a build, remodel, or project is one of the biggest stress factors. In fact, many homeowners may even feel paralyzed by the weight of this stress. If you feel like you’re being crushed under the weight of the unanswered questions regarding your project, then it may serve you well to work with a company, such as Alair Homes Phoenix, that can walk you through the reno process, answer any of your questions, and see your project through from start to finish.
2. Cost
Money is a major stress factor for many individuals on its own, let alone when a major home project is involved. For many homeowners the biggest concern is that they just really don’t have a good understand of how much everything will cost and where all of the money is going. A trustworthy and experienced professional will abide by your budget and communicate costs (and any potential added costs) to you with transparency and clarity. Additionally, taking the initiate to establish a weekly budget check-in meeting, whether you’re overseeing the project yourself or working with a contracting company, is another way to keep your expenses in check.
3. Project Timeline
A reno can dramatically impact your day-to-day life, particularly if you have a family. So any hiccups in the timeline of the project can be major cause for stress. If you’re handling the project on your own, it’s likely that it will take significantly longer. An effective way to manage this stress is to work with a trustworthy contractor who provides you with a work back schedule upfront to help you anticipate delays. Additionally, ordering materials that are made or sourced locally and have short production times will help limit delays.
4. Too Many Changes
Changing materials, finish options, appliances, and design can significantly impact lead time, labor costs, and other expenses. To help minimize this stress, take some time to check out completed projects like the one you are envisioning. Also, spend time scrapbooking or otherwise documenting your favorite paint colors, furniture, fabrics, etc. You can also ask for professional samples prior to orders being placed.
5. Unexpected Issues
With any project, there is likely to be some unknown factor arise. It may be an issue with the subfloor or the drywall that is uncovered, or it could be something revealed with the electrical system or otherwise.These unexpected issues can cause a massive amount of stress as more often than not, they cause a rise in cost and a delay in time. Experienced renovators will work with you to include room in your budget for unexpected expenses as well as to check out the record of work done on your home to anticipate any issues as effectively as possible.
6. Miscommunication
Issues with communication can occur anywhere in the process – between homeowner, contractor, manufacturer and delivery company. This issue is one of the most common and most stressful. To best mediate this issue, it’s best to ask questions upfront and recognize there is a bit of a learning curve when it comes to a reno. Also, keeping accurate record and taking notes during conversations will help.
If you’ve been putting off your renovation for a while or have just started thinking about it, use these suggestions as a guide to minimize your stress and maximize your project. Don’t let fear or stress hold you back from having the home of your dreams. Contact Alair Homes Phoenix to make your dream Phoenix home a reality.