9 tips for surviving a summer home renovation

Change can be hard.

And when it comes to renovation projects at home, change can be extremely stressful, too.

If you want to minimize the angst that typically comes with home renovations, take it from Rye design pro Jennifer W. Howard of JWH Design: a few simple tips utilized before, during and after renovations will help make everything better.

1. SHOULD IT STAY OR SHOULD IT GO?

Sort through the deep recesses of your existing cabinetry, closets and other storage spots. One critical thought as you evaluate each item to be packed: will you want to unpack it again for use in your new space? If not, let it go.

2. PREP OTHER ROOMS:

The adjoining rooms will be affected by your project as well. De-clutter these areas and remove fragile items. It will make things easier to clean, rearrange and protect against accidental damage during the renovation.

3. PICK YOUR PARKING:

Park your car where it will be easiest for you to have access in and out during the day. Once the workers park their vehicles, which must be reasonably close to the house, it is not efficient for them to have to move their cars during the workday.

4. DESIGNATE ACCESS:

Consider having one entry way for workers, and another for your family. This will help reduce the amount of job interruptions. What’s more, kids walking through the work area is not recommended. Make sure there is clear access to the main electrical panel and the water shut-off valve. This probably means a clear path through the basement and/or garage without hazards of kids’ toys, bicycles and garage equipment.

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5. AVOID DUST STORMS:

The goal for your contractor is to keep the dust and debris contained to the project area. But we all know how dust travels!

For added protection, keep interior doors closed and cover open doorways with plastic sheets and blue painter’s tape. Plastic “zip walls” are also a great way to contain dust but provide access to the project area when needed (these can be found at a store such as Home Depot).

Plastic sheets and runners on stairs (which stick to the existing carpet) are great “extra” protection and can be found at protectiveproducts.com.

Remember, every time you go in and out of the work area, dust will be tracked back into the rest of the house. Buy cheesecloth to wrap around vents and registers in all the rooms. Lastly, change your furnace filters during and after the remodel.

6. TAKE A TIME OUT:

There are times during the renovation when it may be advisable to leave home for a few days. The refinishing of hardwood floors creates odors that most people find unpleasant. Painting can also change the air quality in the home, even if lower VOC paints are used.

Discuss the timing of these parts of the jobs to decide what would be best for your family. Most flooring contractors will work over the weekend to help accommodate the best times for the family to be displaced from their home.

7. TEMP POSITION:

If renovations impact your cookspace, planning for a temporary kitchen will make a big difference in how easily your family functions on a daily basis. Setting up the dining room (remove the rug and add protective table pads), an extra folding table and several plastic storage bins will make mealtimes much easier. For example, consider setting up the following items in a convenient space:

• Cooking equipment: microwave, toaster oven, coffee pot, hot plate, medium sauce pan and electric griddle.
• Storage and prep items: Refrigerator/freezer, can/bottle opener, vegetable peeler, two sharp knives, spatula, slotted spoon, ladle, colander, cutting board, microwave safe containers, pot holders.
• Serving and dining: One set of dishes/glasses and flatware per family member, three serving bowls, three serving spoons/forks, and paper goods like plates, small cereal bowls, cups and utensils.
• Food: Keep it simple: pre-made meals for the microwave, breakfast items, snack foods, pasta, etc.
• Clean up: trash bin, trash bags, dish soap, sponge, dishtowels, paper towels, broom and dust pan. Consider what sink you will be using for cleanup.

8. ADULTS ONLY:

Although your kids might be interested in the construction, we advise that they not enter the project area without supervision, and never during the workday. The work area needs to be considered dangerous. The noises, dust and new faces in your home are also likely to upset your pet.

Please keep them away from the work area at all times for their protection as well as for the workers.

9. GOT AN EMERGENCY?

What constitutes an emergency? Smoke, fire or water issues. If a serious situation arises, call 911 and call any available numbers for your own contractor. Other job-related questions are usually not emergencies and should be handled during the business day. Email is a great way to ask questions during the off-hours to make sure they are addressed as quickly as possible the next business day.

JWH Design & Cabinetry is a design expert specializing in space planning and custom millwork, who has been the inspiration behind fabulous kitchens, family spaces, libraries, mudrooms and baths in Westchester and Fairfield for almost 20 years. www.jwhdesigns.com