Perspective is a quality of scale. While the house may be in chaos and seem disorganized, you are blessed with a home and the means to improve it. While living in dust may not be pleasant, it is better then having no place to live so quit the griping and be grateful that you have the means and ability to have a renovation. Walk down the street and tell ten people about your problems, two of them will commiserate, seven of them will wish that was the worst of their problems and one will keep his mouth shut because he is a contractor dealing with grumpy clients. Renovations don’t last forever be it a month, a year or giving up and buying a new house, the renovation will only seem like it is lasting forever.
Perception is another important quality to have during a renovation. It is important to see what is really going on. Most contractors are honest people working hard and trying to feed the mouths at home. Changing your mind about the color or the tile, or the floor plan for the umpteenth time might create tension. Most contractors want to do good work because they want a good reputation and referrals. Anyone who has to redo good work is likely to be frustrated because you changed your mind is. Even if they get paid for it, it requires time and resources that might through other scheduled renovations off track. It is important then to be able to perceive realistically the expectations of a renovation. Expecting a small room to suddenly look like a barn will only lead to disappointment and frustration.
A sense of humor will go a long way in coping with the discomfort of workers in the house, walls being knocked down and seeing plastic everywhere. Utilize the advantages of the renovation; you can tell everyone your dandruff is drywall dust and the reason you missed the boring and unnecessary conference call was because the contractor cut through the phone wiring.
Renovations are never without their problems. Being aware of that and having a good attitude are easily the most important components of a successful remodel.
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