The Sunday Mail
RENOVATIONS are famously stressful, thanks to the disruption to your normal routine.
They have a way of increasing tension, but you can make it out (relatively) unscathed, thanks to these tips on staying sane.
Be clear on the budget
Renovation budget issues are probably one of the biggest complaints between couples. Your budget (and being clear on how you will pay for things) will colour your entire experience, so make sure it is your first discussion. How much do you have saved and how much will you use other funds. Nothing is more stressful than seeing your funds dwindle faster than they should. Setting a budget and creating a contingency fund will help you keep your calm when other issues arise.
Get choosy with your arguments
In your quest for your dream space, it can be easy to get fixated on the details. How will you love your kitchen if you do not pick the perfect paint colour? But nitpicking every detail might be one of the biggest factors in renovation stress. Identifying a one must-have will make it easy to defer and compromise on other details. Choose your top three renovation must-haves and then be flexible on the rest. You will get what you want without going completely crazy in the process.
Compartmentalise the process
When your renovation is eating up so much of your time and budget, it is easy to start letting it colour all of your interactions. Compartmentalising the renovation helps you leave the stress of cost, materials and contractors behind when you spend time with your family. Look at it as a work day. You can put in ‘X’ amount of hours but when you are done for the day, focus on other things.
Use up vacation time
If you or your spouse are lucky enough to have vacation time, now would be a great time to use it. Sure, you might need to relax after your reno, but chances are that your time will be better served at your house. Whether it is supervising a cabinet install or getting your paintbrush wet, working on a renovation is less stressful if you can do it during daylight hours. Working a full day and trying to schedule around your hours or heading home to work on the house after a full day at the office eats up your energy and gives you zero downtime.
Work together
Let’s face it: Sometimes it is easier to just work solo and get the job done. But renovations can be an awesome time to reconnect with your family if you are willing to slow down a bit. Choose a project that is easy and fairly inconsequential – creating art for the wall or painting a small space, for example – and tackle it as a family. Not only will you create memories and connection to your home, but it serves as a great reminder as to why you are working on improving your space.
Get away from the house
When you just want something done, it is easy to let it consume your life. Spending every waking, free moment on your renovation is a recipe for stress central, though. Reduce your anxiety by planning some time away from your house. After all, being there is just a reminder of everything you need to get done. A staycation for a night or two at a local hotel or just getting out of the house on a Saturday afternoon recharges your batteries and gives you the energy you need to keep working.
Stick to your routine
Part of the reason renovations are so stressful is that they can really do a number on your daily routine. Whether it is putting your kitchen out of commission or pushing you to sleep in the guest room, the added stress of being out of your regular groove is enough to seriously raise your blood pressure. Whenever possible, stick closely to your regular routine. Sticking with your regular routine makes them feel less disruptive.
Stay flexible
There is no such thing as a perfect renovation. There will be material mixups and timing issues along the way. Accepting that from day one can help you stay flexible and less stressed. A rigid timeline and unrealistic expectations will only cause anxiety. – freshome
