Surviving a Design-Build Project

Lets face it, remodeling is messy, loud and totally disruptive. When the project is completed, it will improve your life in ways you haven’t imagined yet. But getting to done can be a long and dusty road. If you can or must live-in during the remodel, here are few ideas on how to keep the process a dream from beginning to end:
Regularly communicate with your contractor regarding utility switch-offs (electric, plumbing), when will odorous products (glues, finishes) be used, when will sheetrock be sanded? Try to escape during these periods.

Consider a temporary kitchen set-up in a bedroom/den/laundry room. A lot of terrific meals can be prepared with a hotplate, a microwave and a toaster oven. Move the fridge as close as possible. An electric kettle makes boiling water fast and frees up the hotplate for other uses. Got a crock pot? Brush up on your recipes here.

Designate clear boundaries between work and home areas. Keep the kids,toys and pets out of the work area and make sure your contractor keeps the tools and materials out of the home areas. You contractor should install dust protection between these areas.

Cover all electronics (TVs, phones, DVD’s, computers, stereo equipment) even those not in the work areas.

Make sure garbage and materials storage areas are clearly designated.

Protect fragile exterior plants if adjacent to work areas.

Regularly communicate with your contractor.