Remodeling as a Couple: Avoiding Stress and Miscommunication

Home additions and remodeling projects allows you to create spaces suitable for your needs and lifestyle. Making significant changes to your house can sometimes be overwhelming, especially if you are doing it for the first time. You and your partner need to make decisions together for your project. Disagreements can arise if you have different preferences, but it doesn’t mean you can’t design a living space that you both love. 

Read on for tips on planning major home improvements as a couple. 

Establish Your Goals

Whether you are planning a bathroom, bedroom or kitchen remodeling project, you can start it on a positive note by establishing goals. What are the top things you wish to achieve in your remodel? Discuss how you want your updated space to look and feel. Consider the activities you will be doing in the part of the house you are revamping. Your plans also matter. For instance, if you plan to stay for at least 10 years, you can take on a more personalized approach to your remodel.  

Know Your Priorities

It may help to know that the decisions you will make in your project don’t carry equal weight. You will need to prioritize some things over others. What would save you from conflict in the middle of your remodel is for each person to create a list of priorities. It should contain up to five priorities, and you should share the number one priority with your partner. Doing so will let you see your project’s bigger picture. It will also help you accept that while some features are extremely important, there are things where compromises might be necessary. 

Share Ideas

Expand your lists of priorities into ideas and features you desire for your space. Exchanging these lists will help you determine areas where you can agree and compromise. Point out similarities in your lists and rule out ideas both parties don’t agree on.

Couples should keep an open mind when brainstorming and sharing ideas. Do your best to understand why your partner values some items over others. Knowing why they have such preferences and meeting each other halfway is essential to a stress-free remodeling process. 

Agree on a Budget

You have several options for financing your home additions and remodeling project. First, you need to establish a realistic budget with your partner. Money is one of the most common causes of a clash in relationships. It’s why you must agree on your budget early in your project. 

Look into your financing options and discuss what you believe is the suitable amount to spend on your remodel. Consider unexpected factors that can impact the cost of your projects, such as plumbing and electrical modifications. Settling issues involving this matter in the initial stages of your remodel will save you from headaches and delays when the construction starts. 

Meet in the Middle

Keep in mind that unrealistic expectations almost always lead to disappointments. Often, couples believe that each person will always get the outcome they expect. However, there will be situations where compromises are necessary and partial solutions make more sense. 

One example is when you need to choose materials, colors and finishes. If what you and your partner have in mind don’t match each other’s preferences, look for options that appeal to both of you. Consulting experienced professionals will let you know what could work for your space and needs. Speaking to experts is especially important for historic restorations. 

You Don’t Need to Compromise on Everything

Compromising helps your project move forward, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to do it on every aspect of your remodel. It is essential to maintaining healthy relationships, especially when remodeling. However, couples who make compromises on everything would end up feeling unsatisfied. 

You can avoid this scenario by going back to your list of priorities. It would be great if each person could give some items on their list to the other. This way, once the remodel is complete, both will have things they love about their space. 

Discuss Your Plans During the Remodel

If you are starting a major home improvement, such as a bathroom or kitchen remodeling project, you must discuss its timeline with your contractor. Revamping your home can take weeks to months to complete. You must decide if you are going to stay during the construction.

If you stay at home, you may have to deal with plenty of noise and mess. Some homeowners move out temporarily, while others take it as an opportunity to travel. Moreover, consider kids and pets when planning your living arrangements. 

Work With a Reliable Contractor

The outcome of your project highly depends on the team of professionals who will execute it. Couples must agree on the characteristics they look for in contractors. You want to work with a remodeler that can bring your vision to life. Experts recommend getting estimates from at least three contractors. Doing so will give you an idea about the cost of your remodel and help you find the right professionals to do the job. 

You can start by asking your family and friends for companies they can recommend. Focus on contractors specializing in your specific project. Run background checks, read reviews, ask for references, and request to see proof of license and insurance. 

Celebrate Small Wins

Home remodeling can involve a lot of small and big decisions. Celebrating small accomplishments along the way will bring some light to your project. Think of ways you can treat yourselves after completing the stages of your remodel. It could be simple things like a meal in your favorite restaurant, watching a movie or going to the spa. 

A dependable remodeler can help you design and create spaces that meet your aesthetic goals and personal needs. At Cottage Industries, Inc, we have been transforming living spaces for over three decades. We specialize in custom kitchens and bathrooms, small and large additions, whole-house remodels, historic restorations and more! Call us at (610) 293-9750, or fill out our contact form to schedule a conversation.