Beating the stress of home renovation
Expert advice on how to improve your property and preserve your relationship
It’s one of the most daunting decisions a couple can make – agreeing to refurbish your home. No matter how small or bold the scheme, a renovation project can be a stressful experience and chances are, you’ll be at loggerheads at some stage. Indeed, according to a recent survey by home renovation and design platform Houzz (Houzz. co.uk), more than two-thirds of respondents had disagreements with their partners during the process (66%), almost half found renovating with their partner ‘frustrating’ (47%) and one in 10 said the thought of couples’ counselling even crossed their mind.
From planning and researching to managing budgets and making decisions, what’s the secret to avoiding any conflict and actually enjoying the process?
Here, experts share their top tips on how you can improve your home and preserve your relationship…
1. Make a plan
Victoria Harrison, editor of Houzz, 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 key to leave room for second thoughts.
2. 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.
Omar Bhatti, director of Space Shack, adds :‘ Be sure you both have a good vibe and energy with the professional you hire.’
3. Communicate
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. Being able to compromise is vital too.
4. Stay organised
You may be balancing a budget, communicating with multiple tradespeople and making decisions on design details.
Harrison says having everything centralised will help. You could do this by setting up folders where all communication and designs are stored.
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. Big picture
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, plus more comfortable and more organised.