TIPS FOR SURVIVING A RENOVATION

Sarah Baeumler has lived through three major renovations, including the two-year custom build of her Torontoarea home that involved blending an original A-frame home with a modern addition. Oh, and did I mention, she and husband Bryan stayed in the house with their four young children for the duration? Here are her top survival tips:

Move out.

If you can afford to live elsewhere during the renovation, do it. Living in the mess, noise and chaos of a construction site can be very stressful.

Hire a contractor and/or designer who understands your vision.

“Personality-wise, it has to work for you,” says Sarah Baeumler, who recommends checking references before hiring anyone. “It has to be a good match.”

Family comes first.

Though it’s nearly impossible to have normalcy during renovation, “you have to make it work for your family.” Baeumler says organization is key, as is keeping your children’s needs your top priority. “The reality is they’re part of this process,” she says.

Enjoy the journey.

Every couple argues over tile choices or wall colour, but don’t let “the good, the bad and the ugly” decisions ruin your relationship, Baeumler warns. “If you start asking yourselves, ‘Are we doing the right thing?’ that’s when you need to take a break.”