Numerous shows are on television demonstrating how “easy” it can be to take a home and turn it into something fabulous. Knock out a wall (or two), put down new flooring, and even add-on…all in one episode. It all seems so glorious and begs you to give DIY a try, doesn’t it? Somehow though, it doesn’t quite prepare you for real life DIY and the reality of remodeling stress. Yep, I’m talking about that smack-in-the-face kind of “What is going on?” feeling. To aid in that journey to get that euphoric accomplishment feeling, I am going to share 5 ways to prepare and cope during your remodel.

Being a homeowner is one of the purest joys that be found. It’s responsibility and freedom that can’t be found elsewhere. I liken it to a roller-coaster ride, full of highs and lows, with a whole lot of fun and fear mixed in. Also, as parents to 6 children, and avid DIYers, here are a few things JC and I have found to aid in making those dips and twists more doable.

Before I get started, first for all of you who have been following our year-long kitchen remodel…Yes, we are still working on it. Did we think it would take us over a year to complete? NO!! Are we frustrated? YES!! We knew it would be a long journey because (1) JC works a full-time job for more than 40 hrs/week (2) he is our delivery/shipping guy (aka. job #2) (3) he is our mechanic (4) all our DIY has to be squeezed into a Saturday and an occasional day off (5) I homeschool our 6 kids (6) we run a home business (7) I blog (8) we need sleep. Need I say more?

So, yes, it has been much longer than planned. However, after a couple of months of setbacks with poison ivy, sickness, car repairs, just plain life, we are now back in the saddle full bore.

Originally we had plans to get our reclaimed wood countertops done all by ourselves. However, since winter comes much faster than our time allowed to get the wood done, we decide to call in the Amish. JC tried his best, but knew we couldn’t beat old man winter. It just took me two months of convincing him before he realized it. ahem. Can’t blame the dude for trying. He really wanted to do this himself.

We are currently in putting-counters-together mode. And, once complete, it is smooth-sailing (or so we hope!) Is remodeling fun? YES. Does it cause stress? YES. Is there anything we can do? YES!! Here’s some of what we learned along the way during our bathroom, master bedroom, patio, boy’s room, and now kitchen remodel (all good reads, BTW):

1. Plan

You might be saying, “Well, duh”. Seriously though, no architect just goes about building without laying out a plan. Here are some elements that we have found key to a good DIY plan:

• Reality check – Rome wasn’t built in a day, so don’t put high expectations on yourself. Take an honest look at the project, even sit down in the room and make a list of priorities and order of events. Research as much as you can. Even set a workable time-frame for completion so that everyone involved has a goal and are on the same page with expectations.
• Set a budget – be realistic about needs vs. wants. Sometimes a project can be completed to get it livable and the wants can be added in as budget allows. Trust us, it will make you appreciate them all the more.
• Talk it out – If you are teaming up with a spouse or a buddy, be sure to listen to what each other has to say. Each brings their own skills to the project and it makes things go much smoother if those skills are used in the best way possible. Doling out tasks will not only make the job faster, but is also enjoyable for all. Though, my warning is that not all DIY is fun and does require a willingness to give in once in a while.
• Prayer – For us this is an essential. Asking for guidance from the One who knows best undoubtedly makes for smoother project, and helps us stay focused on what really matters.

2. Adapt

In nature it’s amazing how wonderfully adaptive creatures are to their surroundings. They are equipped with the make-do or do without essentials. Likewise, remodeling stress is quickly lightened when we forego our above plan when we encounter unexpected events. What am I talking about? Put simply – be ready to throw your plan out the door. Yep.

Not all things go according to plan. For instance, let’s say your plan is to remove a drop ceiling. You start tearing it out only to find that there is a hot mess of electrical wires and possibly even water damage being hidden. What to do? First, assess what needs done to keep you on your plan or consider how to adapt. Absolutely be willing to step back from the project for a time to regroup and move forward. Nothing can be worse than forcing a plan to work that is obviously showing it needs tweaking. Talk it out and make changes as needed. Being clear on expectations and possibilities are a must to avoid that remodeling stress.

3. Surrender

As much as I hate to admit it, there are certain things that not all DIYers can do. Under those circumstances, there is a point when we have to know our limitations and know when to CALL A PROFESSIONAL. Money and time savings happen when we allow a trained pro. Although it can be scary to let go of your project, it can also be very freeing. Taking advantage of their skills and expertise allow you to tackle another part of your project, thus lightening that remodeling stress. In the end, you will be able to continue on your plan and have that feel-good feeling.

*note: when we called a plumber to do the work in the kitchen we wanted to hand-off, it took them 2 months to show up. That event alone set us back immensely, so…be preparation is key.

4. Include

Can you imagine the feeling you get if you walk into a party and find that you are the sole attendee? Though some of us feel like flying solo is the way to be, there is also much joy in including others. What in the world am I talking about? In this even, call in the family, friends, and neighbors to lend a hand. More likely than not, they would love the chance to help and each party can bring their own mix to the fun and relieve your remodeling stress.

Also, call in your built-in crew – your children. Involve your children because there is no better teacher than experience and it builds their confidence. Assign jobs that are age appropriate and ask them to help you in the smallest ways. Yes, it make take a bit of time to guide, but the reward will be immense for all of you. Your whole family will be able to step back and reap the rewards of the completed project.

5. Enjoy

However, not everyone is able to DIY for different reasons, so be sure to enjoy that you have the capability and willingness to do so. Celebrate your accomplishments both big and small. Did you hang a light fixture and it actually works? Do a happy dance!! Did you complete a room? Have a special dinner. Making life enjoyable requires a light-hearted vision and seeing the blue skies beyond the gray clouds. However, some stress strengthens our fortitude to complete the job, while some is worth leaving behind. Can I get an amen?

Finally, we truly hope these tips and laughable events have helped you along your remodeling journey. It all is really an adventure of learning and growing, and most importantly accomplishment.

Additionally, share this post so that others can know they are not alone. Oh, and do tell us about your remodeling stress too! Sharing helps others and we want to build each other up.

UP NEXT

Up next, I’ve got a fun way to take organizing to a new level.

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MEWE | PINTEREST | GAB

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