Understanding that things will go wrong during a renovation is a healthy approach before you embark on your renovation journey. It doesn’t mean it’ll result in disaster or a large financial outlay but there are just so many moving pieces and it’s likely that something will happen.
It’s the understanding of this that can alleviate the pain when it happens. Knowing that you have to be prepared for a surprise when the walls come down makes it less frightening when it occurs. Try to be realistic and positive at the same time and you’ll survive your renovation with ease.
My job as a designer is to help clients navigate the challenges and surprises that happen and help create fast and effective solutions. We can’t avoid issues but having a great team will remove the burden from you alone.
RENOVATION REALITIES - WHAT TO EXPECT IN YOUR HOME PROJECT
1/ Water Damage
Often there is a broken or leaky pipe hiding behind your walls. You may not have seen the water damage on your side of the drywall (yet) but once the walls come down, it’s there. And now that it’s been uncovered it needs to be addressed.
This can be costly but it’s essential that it be dealt with. And don’t worry, it’s not always bad news. Sometimes it’s a simple issue that can be corrected without too much delay or expense.
2/ Foundation Cracks
This is the one that no homeowner or renovator wants to find. Foundation cracks can sometimes appear as cracks in your drywall or floor or gaps around the edge of the room. While these can be fixed they’ll cost you the most amount of money and will require a structural engineer to assist with the solution.
3/ Outdated Plumbing or Electrical
Old plumbing can be causing leaking, corrosion or clogging. You may have already been alerted to some potential issues if you have sinks or toilets that back up regularly. Often what we discover isn’t a surprise to homeowners. Always evaluate the issues you’re having and disclose them to your team. That way we can budget for the repairs from the onset.
Old electrical systems can cause power outages because of the heavy electrical load of modern life. It can also cause fires resulting in significant damage to your home. Both of these need to be replaced if they’re revealed upon removal of the drywall.
4/ Previous Work Not Done Correctly
Another revelation with the removal of materials is shoddy workmanship. Most of us are familiar with Mike Holmes from the very popular HGTV shows he hosts. That’s because poor workmanship is unfortunately extremely common.
Whether it’s a homeowner’s DIY gone wrong or a contractor working beyond their skill level, poorly completed home renovations are far too common. The downside is you might have inherited the issues without even knowing about them. Once revealed, iif the work is not up to code, it needs to be replaced.
5/ Long Lead Times for Permits
Depending on the municipality you live in, permits for renovations can take from a few months to over a year to obtain. If you’re working with an inexperienced contractor you may be in for a surprise when the permit applications go in. Be sure you understand not just the timeline for the renovation but also for the permitting process.
You can contact your municipality to inquire about timelines before your project begins. This can give you comfort just to have the knowledge of what to expect.
6/ Unreliable Trades
This is one of the most frustrating aspects of renovations. Yes, it’s easier to accept that the electrical system from 1960 needs to be replaced. It’s less easy to accept trades that leave early, take extended breaks or even worse, don’t show up.
Be sure you speak to your contractor about how he/she works. Do they have a team that they always work with? Is the team reliable? Do they have a rotating schedule of trades? The more you know the less you’ll be willing to go ahead with the wrong contractor.
7/ Long Delays & Backorders
Procurement is tricky because it’s all moving in real time. Products that were in stock at noon can be out of stock by 1pm. This one can feel heartbreaking, particularly when you need to make a replacement selection for a material you love.
Just know going in that this is a possibility and don’t become too attached to any single material until it’s installed in your home. These are obstacles that can cause delays of months and sabotage your timeline and set your project on the wrong course.
Part of my job as a designer is to source materials as well as recommend products that are well constructed and reliable. I also hate when something I’ve selected goes out of stock but I always have replacement options. My job is to find a substitute that works equally well within the context of the entire design. If you’re interested in learning more about the design process, read this post.
HOW TO AVOID OVERWHELM DURING A RENOVATION
1/ Be Realistic About Things Going Wrong
Like I said, things will go wrong. If you expect an easy breezy renovation you’re more likely to fall apart when things go wrong. Instead, anticipate delays, issues and financial surprises. It still may feel stressful but you’ll benefit from the calm, rational thinking that occurs when we know what’s to come.
2/ Be Flexible
Be willing to explore new possibilities if needed. If that countertop you love is backordered for 6 months you’ll need to find a new alternative. Trust that your designer can find something that will work equally well. There’s always more than one design option that will be spectacular. Being flexible will save your sanity and keep the train moving.
3/ Have a Financial Buffer
While we’re not anticipating bad things to reveal themselves behind the drywall it can be a reality. If you’ve budgeted without an emergency fund you’ll have to find the money for structural work from somewhere. Often that ends up being a hit to the design or furniture budget. Avoid that by including a buffer of 15-25% for hidden or unknown expenses.
4/ Know That There Will Be Stress
We don’t see anyone crying or staying up all night worrying when we watch HGTV but trust me, it’s a normal part of the process. Knowing that you’ll be overwhelmed and feel stressed, frustrated, angry and anxious may not help but it’ll make you feel better knowing that it’s a normal experience. Try to understand the immensity of what you’re undertaking and don’t jam your schedule with other high priority tasks during this period.
If you’re about to embark on a renovation project and would like to discuss how a designer can help, reach out. I’d love to share the ways I can help you.
