Would You Remodel If It Was Free?

We all know remodeling is expensive, right?  It represents a large financial investment in your home and your future.  But most people accept this because they see the value of the enhancement in their day-to-day lives and the increased value of their homes.  But what if your remodeling project didn’t cost you a single dollar?  Would you still do it?

We’ve all heard that there’s no such thing as a free lunch, or a free remodel for that matter.  What many people don’t take the time to consider are the other ‘costs’ associated with remodeling.  I call these the emotional costs of remodeling.

Emotional costs cover all the things you must endure to reach a remodeled state.  These range from the inconvenient to the downright stressful depending on your personality and more importantly the company you hire to complete your project.   Obviously these are dependent on the size and scope of your project, but here are a few things that might be included in emotional costs:

• Losing your kitchen for weeks (yes you will eventually HATE eating out)
• Losing your washer/dryer for a time
• Having your water/power shut off for a day
• Not being able to park in your garage/driveway/street
• Having strangers at your house everyday (they might eventually become friends)
• Dealing with anxious pets who don’t like the noise
• Dealing with inevitable bumps along the way
• Your neighbor’s curiosity
• Cleaning out twenty years of stuff before the project can begin
• Having the city/village dictate aspects of your design
• Keeping your kids out of the construction area
• Just seeing your house torn up and not livable can be very stressful

As a remodeler, I will be the last person to tell you not to remodel.  However, I will tell you to go into any project with eyes wide open.  Understand that you can never eliminate the emotional aspect of a remodeling project — but you can minimize it.

The most important thing you can do to minimize the emotional costs of remodeling is to hire a remodeling company that understands that you are paying more than just money and can help to shield you from the stresses. One of your remodeler’s primary goals should be to communicate with you on a regular basis.  Nothing adds to stress like the unknown.  A schedule outlining key steps in your project and weekly meetings (whether formal or informal) are a must.

Make sure that you have 100% accounted for all money you will need for the project. This is not just the cost of the construction itself, but all the other expenses you will incur along the way; eating out, new furniture, new window treatments.   Also plan a contingency above and beyond the quoted price of your project for unforeseen extras and the inevitable extras you will want to add along the way.  Your remodeler should be able to tell you what their historical average is for changes (both unforeseen and client driven).

Have a plan for alternate living conditions for the duration of your project. Where will the kids do their homework?  Where will you cook meals?  How will four people get ready in the morning with one bathroom?  Some remodeling companies (us included) will help you set up a temporary kitchen in another location in your house.  Try to segregate the construction area from your living area with temporary walls to contain kids, pets, noise and dust.

Plan a vacation during the loudest, dirtiest part of your project. Many times I have scheduled a project around a client’s vacation.  Demolition, drywalling or hardwood floor refinishing are all great things to miss out on firsthand.  If you want to be a part of it, have your remodeler email you photos or video of your project in progress while you are on the beach!

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a free remodel. But with these tips, maybe you can enjoy an emotional cost free project!

Give us some feedback.  What emotional costs do you want to avoid in your remodeling project?