While starting a home remodeling project is exciting, living through it comfortably can be challenging. Upgrading your home is more than just an investment of money. It’s also an investment of time and patience. Learning how to navigate your home during a construction project is crucial for living comfortably throughout the process. At Mosby, we understand these concerns and strive to make the experience as smooth as possible by focusing on clear communication, cleanliness, and respect for your home. Here are some tips to help you manage living at home during a remodeling project.
What to Know Before You Begin
Choosing to remodel your home is a rewarding decision that can bring new life and functionality to your space. However, it’s important to recognize that the process itself can be disruptive at times. Setting realistic expectations from the start is one of the best ways to ensure a smoother, less stressful experience.
Everyone’s comfort levels and needs are unique. So, living through a remodel will require thoughtful planning for the family.
Before the project starts, homeowners should:
- Understand the project timeline
- Identify the areas of the home that will be affected
- Prepare for temporary inconveniences
For instance, you might need to set up a bed in a spare room or office while a bedroom is being worked on. On some days, you might need to turn the electricity off, so you might need to make alternative plans for the afternoon. Perhaps the shower will be inoperable for a day or two, so you will need to shower at a relative’s house.
These are all unique instances for every household. Partnering with a contractor who values open, honest communication is essential for navigating these circumstances before (and as) they arise.
Keep An Open Line of Communication
Clear and consistent communication with your contractor is one of the most important factors in a successful remodeling project. Regular updates from the team help ensure everyone is aligned on project goals, timelines, and anything that could impact your living spaces temporarily. When you stay informed, you can address concerns early, avoid misunderstandings, and feel more confident about the progress being made.
To make the most of your remodeling experience, don’t hesitate to ask questions whenever something seems unclear or concerning. Request updates on the schedule, daily activities, and who will be working in your home.
For optimal efficiency, it’s helpful to agree on a preferred method of communication with your contractor. Tell them what works best for you, whether it be daily emails, phone calls, or in-person check-ins.
It’s a really good practice to set up a regular time where you can touch base. Some homeowners appreciate a quick morning meeting, while others only need a weekly summary. Agreeing to a communication plan at the beginning of the project will ensure the entire process goes smoothly.
Modern tools like Mosby Connect make it even easier to stay connected throughout your project. This app is available on computers, tablets, and phones.
With just a few taps, you can access real-time information about your remodeling project, including:
- Daily work logs
- Progress photos
- Schedule
- Important documents
- And more
This level of transparency gives you the peace of mind that you deserve during this exciting time. You will know exactly what’s happening in your home, every step of the way.
Ensuring Safety and Security
Your home is a sanctuary. It’s a space where you may feel at your most vulnerable, so it’s vital that you feel comfortable every step of the way.
When you welcome a remodeling team into your home, you deserve to feel safe and secure. You should expect every worker to be trustworthy, qualified, and respectful of your space.
At Mosby, we take this responsibility seriously. We run background checks on every member of our team, including our subcontractors.
Our team carefully reviews their experience and qualifications before they ever set foot in your home. We ensure they are accountable, qualified, and properly trained for the work they are doing.
Knowing exactly who is in your home each day brings peace of mind and reassures you that your space is respected and secure. You will always know who to expect at your home, what they’re doing that day, and what time they’re going to arrive all through the Mosby Connect app.
Cleaning Up Dust Daily
Remodeling can create a surprising amount of debris and dust, but a thoughtful contractor will take clear steps to keep your home as clean and safe as possible. Professional teams use floor and dust protection methods to maintain cleanliness and good air quality.
Licensed professionals may:
- Install plastic barriers
- Lay down tarps
- Run air cleaners to contain dust
- Clean up before leaving for the day
These thoughtful measures help prevent particles from spreading to other areas of your home. They also protect your flooring and furnishings from accidental damage.
Daily cleanup routines are another important part of the process. At the end of each workday, your remodeling team should tidy up the job site, remove debris, and ensure that walkways and living spaces remain safe for your family.
As a homeowner, you can also take steps to protect your space. Use temporary doors or plastic sheeting to keep dust out of rooms that are not under construction. Move valuables and sensitive items, like electronics and artwork, to a safe place or cover them to prevent damage. Thinking ahead and being proactive with protecting your living space will ensure a smoother renovation process.
Living Arrangements: Should You Stay or Go?
Deciding whether to remain at home or temporarily relocate during a major renovation is a personal choice, and there are several factors to consider. Staying on-site allows you to monitor progress closely and address questions as they arise. However, it can also mean living with noise, dust, and limited access to certain areas.
If your project affects essential rooms like the kitchen or bathroom, daily routines may be significantly disrupted. These changes in routine can be challenging for families or those working from home.
For many homeowners, leaving the house for a little while is a nice getaway. Many families will go to a short-term rental, a hotel, or even a friend or family member’s home. There’s no better time to take a trip to see loved ones than when your house is inhospitable.
If you choose to stay, consider setting up temporary solutions, such as a makeshift office in another part of the house or using a guest bathroom while your main one is under construction.
Ultimately, the right decision depends on your project’s scope, your comfort level, and your budget. Open communication with your contractor can help you plan for the best possible living arrangements during your remodel.
Keeping Up Your Daily Routine
Maintaining your daily routine during a remodeling project can make the process feel much more manageable. One of the best ways to keep life feeling normal during a renovation is to make a clear separation between the work area and the rest of your home. Use temporary barriers or closed doors to separate construction zones, and try to keep high-traffic family areas free from dust and clutter.
Establishing a designated living area away from the mess can help everyone in your household relax and unwind, even while work is underway. If your kitchen is being remodeled, plan ahead by setting up a temporary food prep area with essentials like a microwave, toaster oven, and mini fridge. Simple meal planning and easy-to-prepare foods can save time and reduce stress.
Stick to your regular schedule for work, school, and family activities as much as possible. Keeping up with familiar routines provides a sense of stability and comfort, helping you and your family adjust to the temporary changes that come with home remodeling.
Navigating the Unexpected
Even with careful planning, remodeling projects can sometimes take an unexpected turn. Delays, supply shortages, or unforeseen issues behind the walls are all possibilities that can disrupt your timeline. It’s important to acknowledge that surprises are a normal part of the renovation process and don’t necessarily mean something has gone wrong.
The key to handling these moments is flexibility and open communication with your contractor. When challenges arise, addressing them quickly and honestly helps keep the project moving forward and reduces frustration for everyone involved.
Remember, a positive attitude and a little patience can make a big difference. By staying adaptable and maintaining good communication, you’ll be better equipped to navigate any bumps along the way and enjoy the transformation of your home.
Selecting the Right Contractor
Choosing a contractor you trust is key to a smooth remodel. The right team will communicate clearly and keep you updated at every step.
You should always know who is working in your home. At Mosby, we take this seriously. Our in-house crews and trusted subcontractors all pass background checks. We train our teams to respect your space and keep your home clean and safe.
We value transparency. With Mosby Connect, our online portal, you can track daily progress, see schedules and photos, and know who will be in your home each day. You can check updates from any device and message your project team directly.
With clear communication, high safety standards, and a focus on cleanliness, we work to make your remodel as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Contact us today or call (314) 909-1800.