Discover Simple Ways to Ensure Your Bathroom Renovation Runs Smoothly With Limited Disruptions.
Living through a master bathroom remodel can be challenging. When your family is suddenly forced to use a single bathroom, life becomes chaotic. Morning and evening routines are disrupted, and tempers can flare. The good news is with a little preparation and close collaboration with your contractor, the project will run smoothly, and you’ll experience as few disruptions as possible.
The construction phase of a typical bathroom remodeling project can often take up to 8 weeks. As you conclude the design and planning work with your Design-Build contractor, begin to prepare yourself for what’s ahead.
Declutter and Focus on the Essentials
Once the construction phase is scheduled, you should have several weeks to prepare your home. Use this time to get everything out of your bathroom, purging unwanted or expired products so you’re left with the essentials. Consider filling travel bottles and toiletry bags to ensure you have access to the necessities while also saving space. Larger items you need for your future space can be stored away.
Likewise, you’ll want to prepare the secondary bathroom into which you’ll be moving. Eliminate the clutter and focus only on the essentials your family needs. Keeping everything well organized will help bring some order to your life.
If your project involves a master bathroom that’s only accessible through your bedroom, you might consider moving into a spare bedroom to keep clear of the construction zone. Although this involves packing-up bedding, clothing and shoes, it will eliminate stress knowing that you won’t be interfering with the construction team.
Maintain Open Communication with Your Design-Build Contractor
Even when construction is contained to one room or one area, it’s going to feel like it trickles into all areas of the home. Work with your contractor to understand what dedicated spaces they’ll need to complete their work. Your contractor should provide clear direction on which areas of your home will be off limits during construction.
In addition to the construction area, they will likely need space to store materials, tools and equipment. They may need access to a water source, such as a utility sink or laundry tub. Your contractor should also discuss what steps they will take to keep dirt and dust to a minimum. Plastic barriers are often used to contain most of the dust, but you may notice some dust in rooms near the construction area. Many professional Design-Build contractors will conduct a pre-construction meeting to discuss these items in advance of your project’s start date.
Additional Reading: 5 Important Considerations for Master Bathroom Remodeling
Have a Back-Up Plan
Not having an extra toilet is one biggest challenges homeowners face during a bathroom renovation. Unfortunately, this reality may require adjustment of your family’s daily routine. Setting the toilet back at the end of each work day is not an option during a major remodel.
It’s also wise to plan a back-up shower solution. A temporary shower in your basement might be feasible and will ease the pressure on the main bathroom. This might also be a good time to explore a gym or community recreation center membership which will give you easy access to showers and toilets.
Consider Kids and Pets in Your Planning
Remodeling can be frustrating for children, too. Communicate with your kids and explain that this temporary intrusion will have long-term benefits. Consider creating a dedicated kid-friendly space. A clean and tidy play space away from the construction zone will help normalize life and a few familiar toys will be extremely comforting.
Pay extra attention to your pet as they often spend the most time in your home. Consider whether it’s necessary to relocate them during the most labor-intensive or noisy parts of the construction work. If you opt to keep your pets on site, give them a dedicated space as well. Be certain that they cannot access spaces in or near the construction area. You won’t want your pet approaching your contractor, or trying to escape, every time your contractor opens the door throughout the work day.
Should You Move Out During a Bathroom Remodel?
Moving out of your home during most home renovations is ideal. This makes it easier for contractors to coordinate work activities and allows you to live in a safe, comfortable environment until the remodel is completed. However, this isn’t always necessary for a bathroom remodel and with proper planning your family can navigate a single bathroom remodel without too much trouble.
Design-Build contractors are sensitive to the fact that they will be interrupting normal life. While they will do everything possible to minimize disruptions, remember that the construction zone can become messy and noisy. Strong communication with your contractor will ensure as few disruptions as possible.
Interested in discussing your bathroom renovation project near Cleveland? Contact Advance Design and Remodel to request a consultation.