5 Renovation Survival Tips for the DIY Couple

Today more and more couples are doing their own renovations. Some are doing it because it is gratifying to work on your own home together as a couple. Some are doing it to save money. Whatever the reason, renovations can be deadly to the best relationships, and even a small project will require patience and understanding. Here are some important tips to help you get the house of your dreams and keep your relationship on solid ground.

1. Be clear of you vision

Long before you pick up a hammer you need to sit down and decide what you want out of the renovation. Just like any other area of your life, if you don’t know where you are going, you can’t get there.

Make sure you and your partner both write out or talk about what you want so you are clear. You may be surprised to find out you have very different views of the new space. Once you know what you both want, you can compromise if necessary so you both get some of your wants met.

2. Get mentally prepared

This is one area couples tend to overlook. Unfortunately “reality” tv has given people the false idea that you can remodel a kitchen in a weekend, or build a house in two weeks.  This has set up many a homeowner for a terrible reality check once they have started on their own space.

You need to create a reasonable time line for the project. One based on the scope of work involved, how many hours per week you can commit to it and your level of ability. My advice is whatever you think the time line is, double it, and get prepared for that. If you finish early great, if not, it shouldn’t cause extra stress.

3.  Delegate effectively

Sit down with your partner before you start the project and decide who will be responsible for what tasks. It is best to stick with your strengths as much as you can. For example, the person who takes care of the household bills should be the person responsible for keeping track of the budget. If one of you likes to surf the net more than the other, let that person do the research on products.

4. Don’t neglect your health

This is one I learned the hard way. During the last big renovation I did I neglected my health both physically and mentally.  It took a toll on my body that took months to recover from. You have to remember renovations are like marathons, not sprints, and you have to keep your body and mind fueled. The risk of injury and making poor decisions can be reduced if you stay mentally sharp.

Make sure you maintain a diet of healthy foods, drink lots of water, try to keep the alcohol to a minimum and get 6-8 hours of sleep. If you are doing a Kitchen renovation try to prepare a bunch of meals before you start and freeze them so meals are easier to prepare.

5. Take time to play and relax

This might sound like something you can skip, but it really is an important element in a renovation, especially if the project will take more than a month to complete, and you have budgeted all of your spare time to it.

Use a day off or a play date as a reward for completing a part of the project that was challenging for you.  For example, take a day trip after you have finished the drywall, or go see a movie after you complete the Bathroom floor tile. Pick something you will both enjoy doing as a reward, and don’t spend the time talking about the renovation. Just relax and have fun together.

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