Embarking on a home renovation project can be challenging enough when going at it alone—cost, or unforeseen costs, noise, chaos, and a fair amount of stress are almost inevitable—but doing it with a spouse brings plenty of additional challenges. Not only do you have to make what can feel like endless decisions, but you have to agree on those decisions together.
Coming to terms with your spouse about costs, designs, layouts, and overall aesthetic is no easy feat. But it doesn’t need to be as difficult as it seems. With a little guidance from a trusted professional can be just the right solution. Yes, you and your loved one can absolutely get through this with both your marriage intact and in a more beautiful, happier home.
Communicate, communicate, and communicate some more
You primary defense against marriage strife when facing a home remodel is communication. Keeping the lines of communication open from the planning stages through the completion of the project is imperative when it comes to ensuring each of your needs is met.
Fortunately, there are an abundance of resources you can take advantage of to support a steady flow of communication.
Websites like Houzz.com and Pinterest can be very useful when looking to get inspirational ideas for your new space in your home. Apps like Google SketchUp let you play with different designs, colors and layouts before you implement them by creating a 3D digital version of your space. This will help you get the vision of the things you like and wish to implement in your home before you begin the journey of a remodeling journey which will help you both visualize your new home and desired outcomes.
Additionally, partnering with a professional designer, design build company or general contractor will help immensely in fleshing out all of your ideas. You’ll be able to openly discuss the cost, feasibility, and expected timeframe to complete your projects, which prevents a whole range of unexpected trials and tribulations.
Rest and relaxation are critical
Once the renovation takes off, it’s more than likely that you’ll be facing quite a bit more daily chaos than you’re used to. There will be loud noises, dust, destruction, and unforeseen issues to be sure. This can be difficult for an individual to endure, let alone two people sharing the same space. Remember to work with someone that will address these issues before the project begins.
Rather than take the mess out on each other; take each other out of the mess. Use this time to treat yourselves and partake in all of the out-of-the-house activities you’ve been putting off. Go out to dinner more often, go to that movie you’ve been dying to see, or finally take that vacation you’ve been talking about. Giving yourself and your spouse regular breaks from the chaos will go a long way to keeping both your sanity and marriage intact.
Create organization where you can
Organization wherever you can find it will be your saving grace. Sure, if you’re taking on a major renovation this will be harder to come by, but it’s definitely not impossible.
Figure out a room in the house that will be you and your spouse’s retreat when the destruction is at its peak. This can be a guest room, the other side of the house, basically anywhere that construction isn’t being done—that you equip with items to make yourself more comfortable. Consider a card table for eating and doing work, a speaker for soothing music, and furniture you can lounge on.
Additionally, don’t think that just because your house is under renovation that it can’t be cleaned. Calling professional cleaners to come in once a week to tidy things up can make a huge difference.
Just because things are more chaotic than usual doesn’t mean you can’t find enough order to keep you and your spouse calm and content through the process.
