Handling Emotions During a Kitchen Renovation
Renovators Place Columnist
Oct 08, 2009
The excitement over new kitchen cabinets can quickly give way to frustration as you watch your house being torn apart. Here are some tips on how to handle the range of emotions you may encounter during a kitchen renovation.
Kitchen Renovations Mean Change
You've decided to do a kitchen renovation because you want change, but the change can cause plenty of stress. What can you do to keep your emotions in check?
The first step is to admit that the process is frustrating. There's no way to eliminate stress when someone is tearing apart a key element of your home. Once you acknowledge the emotions, you've won part of the battle.
Work With the Contractor
Before the work begins, have a frank discussion with your contractor about what to expect. How long will the demolition take? How many rooms will be inaccessible and for how long? Once you understand the process, you can make contingency plans to hunker down in another part of the house, if necessary.
You'll also need to set up a temporary kitchen, a process on which your contractor should take the lead. Talk with the contractor about the best location and which appliances will be usable. Where will you store key items from the kitchen cabinets? This will give you some control over the process.
Plan Your Escapes
Living around construction can be frustrating and have a major impact on your moods. As you plan the kitchen renovation, make a list of quick escapes. Is there a friend who can host your family for dinner one night? Can you get away for a weekend?
A kitchen renovation is a time of major change. It helps to be prepared, understand the process, and then realize that your emotions will be impacted. The dust will eventually settle and the end result should justify your elevated stress levels.
Kitchen Renovations Mean Change
You've decided to do a kitchen renovation because you want change, but the change can cause plenty of stress. What can you do to keep your emotions in check?
The first step is to admit that the process is frustrating. There's no way to eliminate stress when someone is tearing apart a key element of your home. Once you acknowledge the emotions, you've won part of the battle.
Work With the Contractor
Before the work begins, have a frank discussion with your contractor about what to expect. How long will the demolition take? How many rooms will be inaccessible and for how long? Once you understand the process, you can make contingency plans to hunker down in another part of the house, if necessary.
You'll also need to set up a temporary kitchen, a process on which your contractor should take the lead. Talk with the contractor about the best location and which appliances will be usable. Where will you store key items from the kitchen cabinets? This will give you some control over the process.
Plan Your Escapes
Living around construction can be frustrating and have a major impact on your moods. As you plan the kitchen renovation, make a list of quick escapes. Is there a friend who can host your family for dinner one night? Can you get away for a weekend?
A kitchen renovation is a time of major change. It helps to be prepared, understand the process, and then realize that your emotions will be impacted. The dust will eventually settle and the end result should justify your elevated stress levels.
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