Expert Contributor
How to Survive Your Home Remodel, Part Two By Ed Yevelev, AAA House Manager
A continuation of the June 2019 issue article of the same name...
Start big When it comes to successful home remodeling projects, size truly matters. Experts say large projects should be done first because subsequent projects are invariably impacted by them. What do we mean by large projects? Roof work, foundation work, heating, cooling, electrical. Rome wasn’t built in a day, but we’re pretty sure the foundation was laid before the marble was polished. The Spruce has a great order of operations guide for home remodeling projects. Decide what you can do yourself There are certain jobs you can do yourself even if you aren’t a skilled tradesperson—even if you can barely handle a hammer—painting, wainscoting, patching drywall, etc. These are the “greatest hits” of the DIY world, but you don’t have to be a rock star to play them. Doing at least some of the work yourself won’t make you a tradesman. It won’t make you Robert Matthew Van Winkle either, but it will save you a few bucks and make you feel integral to the process.
AAA House Manager is a Member-based subscription service that provides proactive home maintenance and upkeep strategy planning to homeowners in the East Bay.
Know what you want, but don’t obsess over it Michelangelo was a perfectionist. You don’t need to be. Always insist on what you want, but be open to compromise. Home remodels invariably involve lots of moving parts: style, design, products, materials, finishes, and more. Not every aspect of your project will turn out exactly as you envisioned it. It won’t be exactly as you drew it up, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be a success. Be firm, but remain flexible. Be patient! You can’t give your home an overhaul without seriously upending your life. If you find yourself sleeping on a neighbor’s sofa for days on end or eating takeout on a cardboard table in the garage for days on end, our advice is to simply go with it. Surf that wave. Remember: Ice, Ice Baby. The more you can embrace the journey, the better the chances you’ll reach your destination in one piece. Renovating or remodeling can be a fun and fulfilling experience. No, really. Success hinges on a variety of factors, not all of which are under your control. Control what you can and remember: chance favors the prepared home remodeler. The more you put into it in advance, the smoother the process will ultimately go. That’s good news for your project and good news for your peace of mind.
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