How to Survive a Remodel

Your Guide to a Smoother Remodel: How to Thrive During Construction

We’ve planned, we’ve designed, and now the day has arrived: construction is beginning on your dream remodel. This is an incredibly exciting moment, but it also marks the start of a temporary, and let’s be honest, disruptive phase. Your home is about to become an active work site.

For many homeowners, the thought of the dust, noise, and daily changes can be a source of anxiety. But I’m here to tell you that with a little preparation and the right mindset, you can do more than just survive your remodel—you can make it a manageable and even positive experience. As your building partner, our job is not only to transform your home but to guide you through the process with as much ease as possible.

Here are our time-tested tips for navigating the construction phase.

Setting Up a Functional Temporary Kitchen

If your kitchen is the room being remodeled, this is often the biggest daily challenge. The key is to create a functional “kitchenette” in another area, like your dining room, laundry room, or a corner of the garage.

Your Temporary Kitchen Survival Kit:

• Small Appliances: A microwave, a coffee maker (this is non-negotiable for many!), a toaster oven, and an electric skillet or slow cooker can handle a surprising number of meals.
• A “Sink”: If possible, set up near a laundry sink or powder room bath. If not, a large water dispenser for drinking and a couple of basins for washing can work in a pinch.
• Mini-Fridge: To hold the essentials like milk, butter, and leftovers.
• The Right Supplies: Embrace disposable plates, cups, and cutlery to minimize washing. Keep your essential non-perishables (cereal, coffee, snacks) in a clear, sealed plastic bin.
• Grill Master: If the weather allows, your outdoor grill can become your best friend for cooking full meals.

Managing Dust, Debris, and Daily Life

A professional contractor’s #1 job during construction is to protect your home and contain the mess. However, dust is an inevitable part of remodeling. Here’s how we tackle it and how you can prepare.

What Your Contractor Should Do: A quality team will seal off the work area with plastic walls and zippers, cover floors in non-work areas, and use air scrubbers to capture airborne dust. They should also conduct a thorough cleanup at the end of every single workday.

What You Can Do: Cover furniture in adjacent rooms with plastic sheeting. You may want to change your HVAC air filters more frequently during the project. Most importantly, establish a “construction-free zone”—a bedroom or living area that remains a clean, peaceful retreat from the activity.

The Big Question: Should You Stay or Go?

This is a deeply personal decision with no single right answer. It depends on the scope of the project, your family’s tolerance for disruption, and your budget.

A short-term rental or an extended stay with family can sometimes be the best investment in your own sanity.

Communication is Everything

Knowing what to expect is half the battle. A key part of choosing the right remodeling contractor is ensuring they have a plan for communication. You should have a dedicated point of contact and a schedule for regular updates. Knowing that the water will be off next Tuesday or that the noisy tile-cutting is happening on Friday allows you to plan your life accordingly.

This all goes back to the planning we do in the early stages, as outlined in our What Comes First in Remodeling? guide. A well-planned project is a well-communicated project.

Remodeling your home is an adventure. There will be moments of disruption, but they are a temporary means to an incredible end: a home that is more beautiful, more functional, and a perfect reflection of you. By planning ahead and partnering with a team that respects your home and your peace of mind, you can navigate the journey with confidence.

If you have any questions about what to expect during a remodel, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help.