Living Through the Renovation
You’ve decided to renovate and you’re likely already feeling a flood of feelings, from excitement and anticipation to indecision and anxiety. And the work hasn’t even begun yet! Whether you’re renovating one room or the entire home, this emotional rollercoaster has the same ups and downs. Here are three simple tips to minimize the “downs” of the reno ride ahead.
1.Get organized.
This is key to keeping your project on time and on budget. Start with a clear vision of what you want and need out of the renovation, and determine how you will finance it. This all happens long before any actual construction work begins, and is a great time to research and engage your professional resources to realize your reno vision. Once you know what you want and how much it will cost, work through the details. A professional designer will itemize the project details in your design plan.
If you are acting as your own project manager you will soon learn that a renovation can be like a juggling act, with multiple time-sensitive elements up in the air, and with your home – and your sanity – hanging in the balance. Set a timeline for every renovation milestone that needs to happen, and at which point in the process.
2. Have an escape plan.
What are your living arrangements during the renovation? If you can move out temporarily or go away on vacation, do it. However, if you’re planning to stay in your home through the renovation, designate some areas as “reno-free.” This gives you a place to escape when you need a break from the decisions and dust. If you’re renovating the kitchen or bathrooms, have a back-up plan, as these spaces will be largely unusable for a period of time.
3. Always opt for quality.
A kitchen renovation needs to shine, from the inside out. Sometimes, this means choosing less-sexy upgrades, like correcting moisture issues or upgrading plumbing and electrical. Once the bones of the space are in good shape, you can then make cosmetic upgrades. 
When it comes to your products and materials, buy the best you can afford. An experienced designer can guide you on which upgrades are worth the investment and where you can save money. Lean into your designer, who has a roster of suppliers and manufacturers that they know and trust. Just remember, you usually get what you pay for. If you can’t afford the renovation you want, consider scaling back your project accordingly or delay it until you can cover the cost.
While a home renovation can certainly be many things to many people, it usually can’t be all things to all people. With that said, have realistic expectations. What is it that makes the space feel like “home”? How can it be more functional and enjoyable? With the right planning, resources and budget, the right renovation can be life-changing.
Stick to the plan and resist the urge to make changes mid-way, which can be costly and causes delays. A good designer and project manager will keep things on track.
What seems like a simple renovation can sometimes spiral into something bigger. A home has a lot of elements, and each decision affects the others, as well as the final outcome. Many people choose to “do-it-yourself” but perhaps my most important tip is to be realistic about what you can handle. Your team of experienced professionals is there to shoulder the weight, from identifying your needs to determining a plan of action and executing it. This is a dance of coordination and patience that’s best left to a professional who can choreograph the project without missing a beat. 
By Designer Patti Wilson
Patti Wilson, Principal of award winning Patti Wilson Design, known for creating stylish, thoughtfully curated, livable interiors. The firm provides residential design services for discerning clientele focused on creating elevated interiors that are approachable and a reflection of their client’s unique story.
