How to survive a renovation with your partner

AS a couple, it can really test your relationship when you agree to refurbish your home.

The daunting aspect of refurbishing a home takes a lot of patience and perseverance and can be an emotionally stressful experience for a couple. Chances are, you’ll be at loggerheads somewhere down the line.

Here, experts share their top tips on how you can improve your home and preserve your relationship.

1. Make a plan

“In any renovation project, staying organised helps avoid unnecessary stresses and arguments,” says Victoria Harrison, editor of Houzz. “The more time and effort you invest in the run-up to your project, the better.”

She says planning the scope of the project early on will help in the long run, suggesting online resources can help you build a clear picture in your mind of what you want to achieve.

However, it’s important to leave room for second thoughts. Omar Bhatti, director of Space Shack, says: “Your ideas, designs and circumstances may change throughout the project.”

2. Hire the right professional

“A good professional can take a lot of the stress out of a renovation, and make you feel more confident going forward,” notes Harrison.

And Bhatti adds: “Be sure you both have a good energy with the professional you hire – after all, they’ll be on this journey with you and it’s crucial you all connect on a design and personal level.”

3. Communicate

To ensure a renovation project goes smoothly, Harrison says clear communication between you and your partner will be important to keep you both on the same page.

She recommends deciding on key elements as early as possible, to avoid rushed decisions or arguments later on. Being able to compromise is vital too.

For important discussions with tradespeople, Caroline Nicholls of Slightly Quirky suggests having both parties involved. “It’s important nobody feels left out of the decision-making process,” she explains. “A partner who tries to engage later on can be problematic, as some important decisions could have already been made.”

Even for couples who are great communicators, Harrison says it can be surprisingly difficult to convey your design ideas to one another. “If this sounds like you, try using images to help you communicate the elements of a design you like,” she suggests.

4. Stay organised

During a project, you may be balancing a budget, communicating with multiple tradespeople and trying to make decisions on design details. Harrison says having everything centralised will really help. You could do this by setting up folders where all communication and designs are stored, or exploring online options.

5. Take a break

“Renovation projects can sometimes feel all-consuming with decisions to be made and dust piling up,” says Harrison. “It’s important to take time out to do things together that don’t involve renovations, to keep everything in perspective.”

6. Keep the big picture in mind

Despite the relationship strain, Harrison says more than 90% of homeowners said the result was worth the effort, with almost two-thirds adding they felt happier in their homes thanks to the project.

“So, don’t forget to think about the reasons for undertaking the renovation,” says Harrison.