Remodeling usually involves tearing down parts of your home that once seemed permanent. But this dirty, noisy, and disruptive process doesn't necessarily mean you'll be tearing out your hair, too. With careful planning, it is possible to survive renovations.
Plan for everyday life. Your house may be in shambles, but you'll still want hot meals, a snug bed, a refreshing shower, and clean clothes. If you can, or must, live at home during remodeling, rearrange rooms before work begins.
Keep waste in its place. There's no way to avoid a mess when remodeling. But the tide of rubble, trash, and dust can be contained. Hang tarps in doorways to seal off rooms where remodeling is under way. If floors need protection, see to it that they are covered up.
Defend against air pollution. When determining the timetable, pin down the periods when glues, finishes, or other odorous or toxic materials will be used. Make certain the house will be properly, even excessively, ventilated when smells are at their peak.
Protect your property. Some dust will always drift out of work areas. Electronic equipment, fine furniture, or other valuables should be covered or removed.
