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Homeowners typically put effort
into remodeling details such as architectural drawings, choosing
the remodeler and selecting the finishes. One critical consideration
they may need to discuss with their remodeler and factor into
the cost of their renovation is finding a temporary residence
during the course of the project.
Any type of remodeling affects
those living in the home in one way or another. Some projects,
however, will have a greater affect on a family's lifestyle,
and disrupt normal activities for weeks and even months. While
it is not necessary to move out in every case, homeowners should
bear in mind the scope of the project they are taking on and
the expected length of time it will take. The unforeseen stress
and inconveniences may make it worthwhile and necessary to find
temporary living quarters for the duration of the project.
Some of the more common types
of remodeling projects requested by homeowners are kitchen and
bathroom renovations, master bedroom suites, and room additions,
such as your project. Renovations and additions involving one
room generally can be sealed off from other sections of the home,
creating minimal disruption. Some additions include renovating
large portions of the existing living areas or, adding a whole
new section to the second floor. Adding a second story to an
existing home is one of the most disruptive types of remodeling
procedures. In some cases, construction on a second story addition
actually dissects the home, forcing the homeowners to walk through
the construction area to get from one part of the house to the
other. In most cases, the first floor area directly below the
second story addition needs to be vacated for remodeling purposes.
Having to live under these conditions is not only stressful,
but tracks dust and dirt into the living areas. Parts of the
house must be closed off, limiting the living space to a smaller
area of the home.
Interrupting existing living
space can be inconvenient and stressful, particularly because
second-story additions as well as other types of large projects,
can take several months to complete. While special precautions
may be taken to limit the amount of dust and dirt that escapes
from the construction area into the living spaces, there is still
no guaranteed method of keeping the living areas completely dust
free during remodeling.
Probably the most critical point
to consider is the emotional effect a remodeling project will
have on your family. Past experience shows that most clients
living within large scale projects begin to feel the emotional
stress of living amidst the construction after about six weeks.
If a project will take longer to complete the homeowners may
want to consider temporarily moving into a rental property or
in with family or friends. After a stressful day at work or school,
family members look forward to coming home to relax. This becomes
a great challenge when the house is dismantled and the family
is forced to live in temporary quarters within the house.
Homeowners should carefully analyze
the needs of each family member during the remodeling project
by taking into consideration the scope of the project and living
areas affected. By taking these issues into consideration and
discussing them thoroughly with the remodeler to determine an
acceptable plan, the homeowner can better withstand the effects
the construction has on the family and keep inconveniences to
a minimum.PSG |
