Five Ways to Turn a Stressful Renovation into Decorating Therapy

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Five Ways to Turn a Stressful Renovation into Decorating Therapy

Decorating therapy? Yes, exactly! Today’s guest writer, Josh from LuxeYard, offers tips to reduce stress before and during a renovation.

What I liked about his article is that his tips can be applied to an project endeavor.

Whether you are renovating your house or reinventing your career, a good plan can ease the stress before that stress turns into overwhelm.

Enjoy the article!

Five Ways to Turn a Stressful Renovation into Decorating Therapy

You’ve looked forward to renovating your home for years and now that time is here and you’re stressing out. Why is that? Is it the fear of the unknown? Is it the fear that you will be over budget? Is it the fear that you won’t be happy with the end result? All of these questions could be a part of the problem, but we’re about to offer you five ways to turn a stressful renovation into decorating therapy!

Who’s Responsible?

Whether this is a DIY project or you will be hiring a contractor, it is important to make sure that critical decisions are made before starting. Frequently, homeowners thinking they can accomplish the same thing a professional can for less money will attempt to do their own work and management. More often than not, they will spend more time, energy, and money, not to mention aggravation, in the process. If you are considering this option, you must determine your qualifications and comfort level by asking yourself the following questions:

Am I able to determine and meet all the requirements of the various agencies?
Am I able to determine the best design and use of space to facilitate the desired lifestyle and budget requirements?
Am I able to determine the current status of the building’s frame, electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems capacity to support the alterations?
Am I able to manage the funds so the expenditures will align with the budget?

In either case, you are a vital part of the project and are responsible for the end product either at your own hand or assisting the professional accurately before starting.

Have a Plan

Before you start, develop an accurate workable, printed plan that represents the structural changes and functions desired. Besides the actual design, it is helpful to cut out photos of ideas and finishes you will be using. The cost of obtaining drawings will be offset by the potential loss of money and grief caused by not having them. It is also a good idea to look online for ideas, as many sites offer wonderful tips and photos to spark your imagination.

Decide on a Budget

If you are not working with unlimited funds, you need to decide how much you are able to comfortably spend. Remember, you may want or need to buy new furniture and décor. If bank financing is involved, they will require detailed information to meet their loan criteria.

Product and Service Selection

Costs of products and services can vary so it is essential that you decide on the exact products and finishes you want to use. Understanding these costs is critical, as estimating is not a smart process and will most likely lead to unwanted surprises.

Cost Analysis

A contractor should be able to tell you before you begin what your renovation will cost. It is always best to allow for contingencies if you are doing work that could involve unforeseen problems. If you are doing the work yourself, obtain quotes on materials and services that will be needed. This is a step you really don’t want to eliminate because nothing can ruin the delight of a wonderful new space more than inadequate funds to finish or decorate it.

Celebrating a successful project and being able to decorate your new space in the manner you had envisioned rather than bemoaning months of mistakes is worth going through these steps to insure that the final outcome is what you have been dreaming about. Avoiding unwanted issues during the renovation will allow you the joy of putting on those finishing touches you desire resulting in decorating therapy.

Josh Thompson works with a handful of interior design blogs and LuxeYard. He spends most of his day thinking about design and home decor.

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