Home renos are exciting, starting with shopping for home renovation supplies in Kingston and ending with the living space of your dreams. 

Unfortunately, all the steps in between can be very stressful. The good news is that they don’t have to be, thanks to our top 10 tips for a stress-free home renovation. 

1. Avoid budget stress

The best way to avoid money stress is to set a realistic budget. If you go into things without a number in mind, both you and your contractor will lack a reference for overages.

Set a budget based on what you can afford, and add at least 10% as a slush fund for unforeseen issues like structural, electrical, or plumbing. By setting a budget, you keep yourself on track when shopping at home renovation supplies in Kingston, avoid money challenges, and reduce stress.

2. Find the right contractor

It’s important to find the right contractor for the job. They’ll make life easier up front, which will reduce issues once the project is underway. Some things to look for when shopping for contractors include the following:

  • Experience in the specific renovations you’re making
  • Proof they’re insured and bonded
  • Proper licences and certifications to complete the work
  • Understanding of permits
  • Free detailed quotes for the job
  • Excellent online reviews and testimonials
  • Before-and-after gallery on their website
  • Quotes that don’t stand out on the low end
  • Work guarantees
  • References available upon request

3. Have a plan when getting quotes

A plan outlines what you want to tackle and sets goals that your contractor can use to provide a quote. The scope of work is essential because it sets boundaries that keep your renovations focused.

It’s easy to get carried away and start adding more things to the list, which impacts your budget, prolongs the renovations, and leads to chaos. Create a list of the jobs you want to tackle in priority order and discuss them with your contractor to decide what can be completed based on your budget. 

4. Avoid last-minute order changes

Making decisions during the renovation process can be hard. You think you want one thing, but then find something better when shopping for home renovation supplies in Kingston. 

It’s important to do thorough research to find a style you love so you make it easier to narrow down decisions and avoid changing your mind.

The further into the project you are, the more expensive changes become. You end up causing yourself unnecessary stress. Working with a designer, or contractor who is confident in making design recommendations will help steer you in the right direction and avoid costly, stressful flip-flopping.

5. Come to agreements with your partner

If you’re not making the decisions on your own, it’s best to come to important agreements with your partner before heading into the renovation. Discuss your plan together and agree on some decision-making tactics that will reduce conflict. 

For example, there’s the old veto approach, where each of you gets to veto x amount of choices that your partner loves and you hate.

Another example might be asking your contractor or designer for compromises, such as helping to merge two different styles, finding a middle ground for prominent colours, and discovering ways to use colour and design accents to represent your individual tastes. 

6. Check out home renovation supplies in Kingston

A great way to keep things moving along is to look for home renovation supplies in Kingston. Shopping is the most enjoyable part of renovations, allowing you to check out all the latest trends and find inspiration for your design choices and materials. 

7. Plan for the worst, hope for the best

Unfortunately, renovations tend to reveal hidden issues you’ve lived with for years. From mould to water damage and electrical outlets not being up to code, it’s best to go into your renovation planning for the worst and hoping for the best.

If you don’t mentally (and financially) prepare yourself for unexpected obstacles, your stress level will go through the roof when something less than perfect happens. Having some plan Bs in your back pocket can help, such as:

  • Setting aside 10% to 20% of your budget for unknowns.
  • Researching lower-cost materials that help get the look you love on the cheap.
  • Resigning yourself to the fact that taking care of structural, plumbing, and electrical needs must always be the priority for the sake of a sound, safe home.
  • Being open to the fact that impractical requests can interfere with budget and typical renovation processes.
  • Remaining flexible so that you work along with your contractor (and partner) instead of against them.
  • Accepting the things you can’t change.

8. Keep the lines of communication open

Keeping the lines of communication open with your contractor, designer, partner, family members, and, in some cases, neighbours reduces conflicts, misunderstandings, and stress. Good communication means:

  • Asking questions to get clarification.
  • Being available to make decisions.
  • Respecting family members’ feelings when living in total disarray.
  • Listening when others are talking. 
  • Confirming decisions in writing to avoid misunderstandings.

All of these things contribute to a happier renovation where everyone feels heard, delays are reduced, and conflicts are avoided.

9. Consider moving out

If the renovation impacts your ability to do daily things like shower, cook, sleep, and basically live in the home safely and comfortably, then considering moving out until the project is complete makes sense.

In some cases, the contractor will insist, especially if you’ll be exposed to dangers and unfit living conditions. The problem is that this costs money and causes disruptions if you have kids. It’s important to include these costs in your budget. Some solutions might include the following:

  • Finding short-term rentals in your neighbourhood
  • Staying with family or friends
  • A hotel 
  • Month-to-month furnished apartment rentals  

10. Remove yourself from the situation

Sometimes, you’ve got to walk away from the mess to reground yourself. This sounds a little “new agey,” but it’s a simple truth. The noise and mess mean you never have time to relax, which is very stressful.

Taking walks, spending time with friends, or enjoying an overnight stay or two at a hotel or with loved ones will help you find your happy place. Even sitting in your favourite coffee shop for an hour provides a nice break so you can step back into the project with a calmer mind, be better able to cope, and also make smarter decisions.

Contact the Home Renovation Professionals

These ten tips will help you survive your home renovation project with as little stress as possible!

Click here to shop for Cosmaroma’s home renovation supplies in Kingston, or visit a store near you.