Anytime you remodel your home, you're basically turning your home into a worksite—complete with trucks, construction crews and that famous construction dust. Thankfully, a little preparation and ingenuity can make the process much less stressful.
- Be prepared to pack--everything in your kitchen cabinets needs to be boxed up before work starts (and don't forget to label the boxes for easy unpacking).
- Set up temporary cooking quarters by moving the refrigerator, toaster oven, coffee maker and microwave to another room.
- Keep utensils, paper plates and basic spices handy.
- Arrange a dishwashing station in your laundry room or spare bathroom.
- Don't worry about the dust--just cover the grand piano (and anything else you're concerned about) and we'll clean your house once your remodel is done.
- Stockpile restaurant coupons for nights you really want to eat out.
- Designate a "safe haven" in your home where you can escape from the commotion and consider taking that vacation you've been talking about.
- Decide beforehand what time workers are allowed in, and where tools and materials can be stored.
- Don't forget about your pets. If you can't keep them safely out of the way, consider letting them stay at a friend's home or boarding facility.
- Maintain your enthusiasm by celebrating as each major stage of the remodel is finished--like the drywall or cabinets--instead of just at the end.
