Even the simplest home improvement project can promise to test our patience, nerves, and energy to the extreme. Here are some pointers to help you cope with the challenges of a remodeling project:

YOUR HOUSEHOLD

Safety First - The safety of your family and your property is the foremost concern of both you and your builder.

• Keep children out of harm's way by providing adequate supervision in a protected area.
• Noise and commotion can upset and frighten pets so keep them out of the work area, alert your builder of the pet's location, and their temperament.
• Protect your valuables from the dust and dirt. Cover all of your electronics with plastic and relocate them if necessary.

Stick To Basics - Pare your lives down to the basics. Limit entertaining and other home intensive activities.

Keep Routines - Try to keep your routines as normal as possible.

Cope Together - Make a commitment to each other to help cope with tension.
Joint activities will greatly help relieve tension; they might even be fun and rescue
your sanity!

Make Remodeling An Adventure - Turn the upheaval into a most excellent adventure. Adventure can certainly garner the imagination of children and adults alike, even if everyone moves into the living room for a short project.

One Of Life's Lessons - The most valuable benefit a challenging remodeling project can deliver to children is to teach them to cope with other events in their lives.

Enjoy A Mini-Vacation - Taking a break from the strangers, dust, and noise offers great relief from remodeling stress.

THE PROJECT

Take Your Time - Make your choices early. Pick out all your appliances, hardware, flooring, wall finishes, fixtures and other supplies in advance. Don't hold off decisions until the last minute, undue pressure can lead to less favorable choices.

Maintain Flexibility - Remodeling is always a compromise between our vision of the ideal and the reality of what can be done. Flexibility is an important factor through the entire process of remodeling; from conception, through planning, selection of materials and appliances, actual work and final inspection. Remain true to your standard of quality and excellence but be realistic about the process and outcome.

Communicate - Keep your communication open and honest. Remain involved in the project and its scheduling, along with decisions that are being made.

Schedule Your Meetings - Set a standing daily 10-minute meeting with your contractor. That will prevent you from being interpreted during your work day or family time. Set mandatory milestone meetings to discuss progress and critical decisions.

Document The Project - Make a photo record of your project before, during and after. Keep a journal of the process for management purposes and for personal enjoyment. Make the journey a happy one and plant happy memories to enjoy along with the benefits of your home improvements.