Have you recently purchased your dream home? Does it need a “bit” of work done to it? If the answer to the first question was yes, congratulations! If the answer to the second question was also yes, a very tentative congratulations to you, but be prepared to invest a lot of your money, time and effort over the foreseeable future. When it comes to keeping your sanity when everything around you is rubble, dust and miles of electric cable, it can prove quite difficult. Here are a few ways to keep yourself level when your spirit level is not!
Set Yourself A Timeframe
It is always easier said than done, especially when you have contractors working on your home. But keeping a reasonable timeframe is something that will stop you from feeling that the renovations are never ending. Having a deadline will force you to keep on working away at it, especially if you promised your partner or family!
Keep The Cost Down
Throwing cash at every problem won’t solve it, but there are ways to conserve your finances. One of the most costly procedures when it comes to renovation is the plumbing, if you are happy to not move your sinks and toilets a few feet to the left it will save you hundreds. Looking for contractors that come recommended by friends as opposed to cowboys will also save you hassle and may even do friendly rates.
Make One Part Of The House Yours
An important part of keeping your cool in this environment is to create one that you can take a breather. Whether it is the pub or your soon to be home office, having the time will stop you being unbearable to live with.
Plan Meals and Batch Cook
Eating at your favourite takeaway restaurants every night may be a dream come true, it soon becomes tiresome after the first week, not to mention a drain on the finances. To avoid having to use the kitchen every evening, use one day to cook as many meals as you can and freeze them. When you need something to feed everyone, simply take it out the night before and pop it in the oven! As well as money saved, precious sink space is saved for all of those paintbrushes.
Keep Your New Neighbours Sweet
If you intend on bringing in structural repair companies and loud builders who have the radio on all through the day, it may be worth speaking to your new neighbours to keep on their right side. Warn them in advance and be prepared to apologise with baked goods. After all, you will be living next door to them for a long time, so it’s best to get in their good books.
Have An Emergency Fund
While this is not always the most attainable of tasks. Having a fund to dip into when problems arise will take the pressure off. There are always unforeseen circumstances and problems arising in the moment, so having a small amount of money backed up will help if the toilet backs up!
