Try One of These Smart Strategies for Peace of Mind During a Home Renovation
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Picture this: After months of real-estate app refreshing and in-person searching, you’ve finally found the house of your dreams. The location is great, it’s in your price range, and you’d like to make an offer. The only catch—and maybe the reason it’s still on the market: It needs a renovation.
You’ve been warned that home renovations are tough. But if you come prepared, the process is not only survivable—it can even be fun. This is true whether you’re a first-time homeowner just beginning to research homeowners insurance or you’re a longtime owner who’s realized that your house can be the house of your dreams—with a little refresh, that is.
Don’t let renovation anxiety stop you from achieving your real estate dreams. Here are 10 strategies to help you finish your home and come out on top—all while enjoying the journey and resting assured that you’re getting the most value for your investment.
Keep track of your progress (no matter how small)
Renovations can take longer than you might think, so it’s important to see how much progress you’ve made toward your goal as you go along. Much like opening a chocolate calendar in the days leading up to Christmas or kids using sticker charts to mark progress towards a goal, a visual reminder of your accomplishments can go a long way. For a renovation version of this strategy, first consult with a general contractor to make a list of all the steps, big and small, that need to be done. Then, write out each one on a sticky note and find a wall to display them. Every time a task gets finished (no matter how trivial!), remove that note from your wall. That little act will go farther than you think toward helping you remember that your home is well on its way to completion, even if it feels far from it.
Use this opportunity to make your home safer
You know that features like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are essential. But did you know that adding safety features such as deadbolt locks or a burglar alarm system can lower your insurance costs? Take the opportunity while your home is already under construction to consider what safety features could be easy add-ons to your renovation. Some insurance companies, including Allstate, offer safety discounts and may even lower premiums if you take measures to mitigate the risk of weather damage, such as reinforcing your roof or adding storm shutters.
Stay nimble when working from home
Loud construction, internet disruptions, and limited desk space. That work-from-home lifestyle doesn’t always jibe with home renovation. No worries: Just keep your laptop and other office essentials together in one spot so you can pick up and get to the coffee shop fast. Also remember that your phone can be an invaluable work tool: Download the conference call apps your workplace uses so you’re always ready to connect even if your internet connection is unstable. And if your WiFi goes out just before a deadline? Simply turn your phone into a mobile hotspot.
Make a budget that covers your lifestyle
Yes, unforeseen costs can arise during a renovation—but having a comprehensive budget can put you at ease. To make sure you have money for your “emergency” renovation fund, look at the bigger picture of your monthly expenditures: Assess your entertainment subscriptions, consider family plans for phones (and the possibility you may rely on them more for work and school during this time), and be smart with your insurance must-haves. Some companies such as Allstate offer discounts for bundling your policies, like home and car insurance.
Avoid decision fatigue
It’s good practice to purchase fixtures (think: sinks, faucets, ceiling lights, and even door handles) well before you need to install them so you don’t encounter delays. However, you may be surprised by just how many you’ll need to choose over the course of your renovation. To avoid decision fatigue, don’t pick everything at once. Batch fixtures by the room or by type. Aesthetically, this will also help you avoid outfitting your house with fixtures that are all from the same retailer—which will put you on a surefire path to interior design success.
Focus on one area at a time
If you’re planning to live in your house during a renovation project, then it needs to be, well, livable. Consider working on one room or floor at a time and sealing it off with plastic sheeting to prevent dust from getting everywhere. In high-foot-traffic construction areas, sheets of temporary hardboard rolled out and taped down are your hardwood floors’ and carpets’ best friend. And though it should go without saying, we’ll say it anyway: Always keep one bathroom fully functional.
Keep your insurance coverage up to date
One of the biggest benefits of a renovation—besides that extra counter space you’ll gain—is that your home’s value will go up. Much like you undergo an assessment to determine what homeowners insurance policy you’ll need when you purchase a home, the same is true when you renovate. As you upgrade your appliances and fixtures, install that beautiful brick sidewalk, or add on a deck, be sure to talk to your agent or complete an online quote to explore how your insurance needs may change.
Get clever with cooking
You use your kitchen every day, so if it’s under construction, things get a little tricky. Stock up on no-bake and one-pot recipes—all you need for the latter is one hot plate. If you’re lucky enough to time your kitchen renovation to temperate months, make the most of your grill. Pro tip: A small investment in a checkered blanket and picnic basket can make outdoor dining feel like an adventure, especially if you’re a family with young children.
Pitch a tent
Just as picnics can be charming, so, too, can camping out—even if another room is serving as “the great outdoors.” If you’re redoing your kids’ rooms—or if you’re young at heart—making a tent out of a sheet and putting a sleeping bag or mattress on the floor can turn an inconvenience into a magical memory.
Keep your eyes on the prize
No matter how much preparation you do, renovations can be draining. One of the best ways to maintain enthusiasm is by taking “before and after” photos. Even if they’re only taken a day (or an hour) apart, the visual comparison will help you relax and remember just how far you’ve come, serving as an instant pick-me-up on tough days. And a pro tip: Save your photos to albums labeled by room as soon as you take them. That way, you’ll end up with a full room-by-room progression of your project, and you won’t get stuck wondering if a mid-construction photo was taken of the playroom or the laundry room when you’re showing them off. And show them off you should! When you’re finally hosting the post-renovation housewarming you’ve been dreaming of, you can wow your guests—and yourself—with how you spotted the potential in a less-than-perfect place and turned it into a gem.
Realtor.com produced this campaign as part of paid advertising services for Allstate Insurance Company. Realtor.com does not endorse or recommend any particular insurer or service provider, nor any of the products, rates, or offerings of any insurer, broker, or insurance professional.
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