PREVENTING "REMODELING FEVER" [ go back ]

The train-station atmosphere of a remodeling project can lead to remodeling fever. The main symptom of this temporary affliction is feeling a loss of control that results from disrupted routines and the impact on your personal space.

The best way to prevent this fever is to prepare well, remember that "this too shall pass," and focus on the progress being made. A few other suggestions from remodeling pros:

• Prepare for inconvenience. A remodeling project can turn your home and -- on some days -- your life upside down. A kitchen remodel will, of course, affect meal planning. But a little ingenuity and some culinary shortcuts can lessen the impact. Set up a temporary cooking quarters by moving the refrigerator, toaster oven, and microwave to another room. Arrange a dishwashing station in your laundry room. If the weather is warm, fire up the grill and dine alfresco.

• Designate a safe haven in your home where you can escape from the chaos and commotion.

• Guard against dust. During a remodeling project, dust has the unfortunate tendency to appear everywhere from lampshades to plates stacked inside your kitchen cabinets. To keep out as much dust as possible: 1) Seal off doorways and stairs; 2) Turn off central air or heat when workers are sanding and stock up on extra filters so that you can change them often; 3) Have deliveries made though a designated entrance; 4) Use doormats and temporary floor coverings where appropriate; 5) Remove anything that might get damaged by the dust or at least cover it with plastic drop cloths that are taped shut.

• Maintain a sense of humor, Remember that certain things are out of your control and it's best to laugh rather than upset yourself about things like the weather or delayed delivery of materials.

See the remodeling process as an adventure. Tell the kids that you are "camping in" and transform inconvenience into fun. Along the way, celebrate as different stages of the project are completed. The day the drywall is completed, for instance, could be marked by a nice dinner out!