The grind of the buzzsaw has been my new Spotify. There are periods of intense piercing, a quiet pause, followed by the tingle of a drill that’s become the leitmotif. This is just one of the symptoms of living with home renovations but there are ways to maintain sanity.
We experienced an unexpected retro excavation in our own home
After living with natural disasters with a regularity last seen during biblical times, inviting contractors into the home to address dated elements should seem customary. What began as a simple project unfolds into a complex process. After stripping the walls, we discovered there was no insulation. Further along, the contractor removed the dated paneling to find a cheery orange, yellow and green flower patch that could have been the wallpaper Marsha Brady chose if she were given her own room.
Rather than view the patina of sawdust as an onus, keep the endgame in mind. This will lead to an improved home that will make the inconvenience worthwhile from its long-term benefits.
Make the contractor/homeowner relationship seamless by setting guidelines. Here’s a checklist:
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- Discovering a piece of retro history.
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- The kitsch wallpaper, probably dated from the 70s.
- Set a budget: The original estimate is never what it comes out to. Builders are likely to find unforeseen issues. It’s best to set a price under your budget to pad in any added costs. Be firm with your contractor that expenses need to be under control.
- Materials: Be sure to set up accounts at your local home improvement store if your workers are purchasing the supplies. Chains like Home Depot have a professional services program that is simple to enroll in. You can also give your workers prepaid credit cards. And don’t forget to save the receipts.
- Scheduling: Be clear of how long the project will take and the times your contractors will work. Make arrangements to be elsewhere unless you can phase out the tune of demolition.
- Be open: Your Pinterest inspiration boards may not come to fruition when the contractor needs to address a wall of concrete or beam that supports the home. Consult with your pro on viable options, you may find it will exceed your expectations.
- Build the relationship: Consider your tradesman as friends. Make them feel at ease in your home by making sure it’s at a comfortable temperature, provide lunch and drinks, and take time to learn about their goals. Most likely, they will become your dependable resource who will be called upon for future projects.
