Living in a house during an extensive renovation can be a stressful endeavor.

 

Those who have weathered smaller projects sometimes run blindly into gutting a house or undertaking other major changes. Be careful, however.

 

Remodeling can be stressful enough when it claims one part of your space, but when construction claims the bulk of your space, it can be overwhelming.

 

There are the benefits to living in the house during the project:

 

·         It ensures you are part of the decision-making process on almost every detail

·         You have frequent access to the contractor

·         It saves the cost of temporary housing

 

 There also are disadvantages:

 

·         It can be noisy and messy

·         You may be distracted by the project when you’re there and you want to see everything

·         You will have difficulty finding an escape from the work

 

Many home owners, however, cannot afford to move into another space. Here are steps to make the next several months or even a year more manageable:

 

·         Plan carefully—Ask the contractor how the work will progress. How much access will you have to various parts of the house during each stage of the remodeling? Can he finish one area of the house and make it livable while working on the rest? How frequently will he clean rooms that will be traveled through by your family?

 

·         Seal off some rooms—to reduce the amount of dust and dirt that travel through the house. Also cover heating and cooling registers.

 

·         Think about children and pets. Decide how you will keep them safe while still finding room for them to play. If you are renovating the second floor of a two story house, consider adding a temporary gate to close off the staircase from wandering children and pets.

 

·         Consider storage needs. The rooms being renovated will have to be empty, so storage becomes a key concern. Where will you keep your furniture? While it may be tempting to store it in other rooms, remember that you will need room to maneuver through the house. There should be clear pathways to all exits in case of a fire or other emergency -- and to save your sanity!

 

·         If the livable space is at a premium, the best solution may be to put large furniture items in storage. This will add to your expenses, however.

 

·         Find a safety zone. Designate one area in the house for the clothing/toiletries you need every day. You shouldn’t have to run out to the garage to dig out your only pair of clean socks from the dresser.

 

·         Try to carve out space that will be yours exclusively, regardless of how small it is or where it is located. If the weather is mild, a porch or sun room can provide a welcome escape. This also will provide you with a sense of control over your environment. Once the work is underway, you’ll be looking for that great escape.

 

·         Plan a vacation! Even if it is an inexpensive night away. The change of scenery will do wonders.