It’s natural for many people to want to change their decor as the years go by. As trends change, or your living situation changes, you may have considered a large-scale renovation. But, many people ask me, “How do I know I am ready for a huge renovation?” It’s hard to know the right time to undertake something that will affect your daily life, but we have some tips for you to consider:
Do you have any big life events coming up? If you are going to be part of something big like a wedding, or have family or friends coming to stay with you for an extended period of time, renovating a large part of your home can feel really stressful. Particularly in the kitchen, not having access to your dishwasher, sink, etc, can be really challenging if you are busy in other aspects of your life. It’s a good idea to do a renovation when you can devote time and energy to navigating living around the areas being re-done. Some people are also able to stay somewhere else, but it’s not an option for everyone.
Can you afford the renovation and the associated costs? If you are renovating an area like your kitchen, you need to consider that you might not have access to your cupboards, fridge, stove or oven as easily as you would normally. Sometimes these appliances can be moved to your garage, but many people end up eating out or getting more takeout than normal. These costs can add up rapidly, so it’s good to budget for them ahead of time. It’s also good to be sure to budget for more than the estimated costs, so you have a cushion. Renovations can be unpredictable and can sometimes have unanticipated costs.
Is everyone in the family supportive of these changes? If you’re married or a parent, it’s wise to make sure that everyone in your household understands the general timeline, budget, and changes that are ahead! Getting your whole family on board with the project can help everyone feel more confident in the end result, and keep all the attitudes a little more positive. If you have small children, they can have anxiety if there are laborers coming in and out of the home or if their rooms are being worked on, so it’s good to prepare them beforehand.
A large-scale renovation such as a kitchen, living area or multiple bedrooms can be challenging, but also extremely rewarding!