Home renovation stress is nothing new. Homeowners have been suffering because of it since time immemorial. Every time we embark on a big home project, it stresses us out because we must make many life-changing decisions. If you think deciding where your kids’ rooms should be is not life-changing, try running up and down the hallway when your kids call for you in the middle of the night.
Remember that, as with many projects that involve your family, home renovations can be stressful. It is critical to manage his stress lest you argue with your general contractor because you cannot understand why some things should go a certain way. And yes, even your husband will be a mortal enemy if you don’t learn how to handle the renovation stress well.
Be Realistic with Your Budget
The number one stressor in home renovation projects is the budget. Thinking day and night about the money you have for the renovations will get on your nerves. It’s important to have a fixed and sure budget for the upgrades. Whether that means applying for a loan or using your savings, you must ensure there is money for the upgrades. A home improvement loan is easy enough to secure if you qualify. Fixing your budget is going to take the weight off your shoulders.
Hire a Contractor You Can Trust Wholeheartedly
Find a trustworthy general contractor; you’ll never have to worry about your home renovation project again. If you know your contractor is working for your good, you don’t need to micromanage the whole thing. Take time to choose a contractor. Do research. Compare contractors in your area. Ask for recommendations from friends and family members. If you don’t trust your contractor, you will second-guess everything they do.
Work with Your Partner
Your spouse isn’t someone you need to fight with for every little decision you make for the renovation. They are your partners. Learn to negotiate and compromise with them. The best way to make huge decisions together is to talk about it intently. Please don’t discuss it at the dinner table when passing the mashed potato from one kid to another. Make time to sit down and understand the impact of the decision you have to make.
You can also divide the decisions. Someone will decide on the colors of the walls, while one person will choose the appliances. Work on your strengths and trust your partner. Don’t try to play the blaming game, or tensions will run even higher.
Choose Your Battles
Not all battles are worth fighting for. Some actions you have to lose intentionally. Instead of fighting with your family over the tiniest detail of the project, create a list of non-negotiables. What are you most concerned about? For example, you will not budge on the type of tiles you want for the flooring. Let the rest of the family have their non-negotiables, too. Work on these so there is harmony in the space and design. This is best done before the renovation starts.
Manage Your Expectations About the Timeline
Believe it or not, your contractor wants to finish the project on time. Not completing the project on time takes them away from other clients. Every time you delay a decision or change the plan, the timeline gets delayed. Be open to adjusting that timeline to suit your needs. You must also consider the holiday season (if the timeline falls on it), weekend schedules, and illnesses.
Be Flexible to Change
People stress out over things they cannot change. It’s a waste of time to do that. Learn how to adapt. Learn to be flexible. Your plans will not always come to fruition. Keep a cool head and think on your toes. Will something come out of you breaking down? If you stress yourself out, will that solve the predicament? Instead, accept that there are some things you cannot change, no matter how good-intentioned you are.
As with many things, stress is a product of your mind. If you let stress dominate your life, it will be a cycle you cannot escape. Instead of snapping at things, having a complete meltdown, staying on top of things, deciding quickly, and realizing that you cannot win all your battles (at least, home renovation).
