We renovated an old townhouse before, mostly by ourselves, so I knew what I was getting myself into, however with two small kids it's a totally different experience. I don't know if there's anything worse than removing a hundred years old plaster.
1. Can you move out? Do it!
We couldn't, so we stayed. But only half of our house is being renovated, so we can still use our bedrooms and we moved our family room to our partially finished attic. It was a great move, because it's quiet and private.
2. Be realistic.
If you think you can function like nothing has changed, you're wrong! I knew there will be a mess and dust everywhere, so as much as it still bothers me it wasn't a total surprise.
3. Set up temporary kitchen.
Our contractor kept the sink and the stove working for majority of renovations. He set up temporary counter from plywood just so we have some place to put dishes away. I have to move them out of the kitchen every morning but at least I don't have wash dishes in a bathroom or basement.
4. Use plastic plates, cups and utensils.
No, not very green but it will minimize the amount of clean up you'll have.
5. Try to plan a weekly menu.
And I don't mean to put a meal plan together, because I don't even get to do that in normal circumstances but think of meals you can make that are easy and fast, that don't involve more than two pots.
6. Plan playdates.
Try to take your kids out of the house as much as you can. Go visit a zoo, museum, a park and visit friends, most of them will understand that you can't host them at your place. For about two month prior to renovations I was inviting my friends over, so I can go over to visit them during renovations.
7. Keep one bathroom functioning and private.
We are completely gutting and redoing both bathrooms but we kept the master bath functioning until the girls bathroom wasn't done and ready for our family to use.
8. Tackle chores on the weekends.
I do laundry, clean and cook on the weekends when the workers aren't here and I know for sure they won't turn my water supply off.
9. Have everything ready early.
Tiles, faucets, cabinet, windows....I mean everything that needs to be decided on and purchased. Get it early! It will make your renovations shorter!!! This is an important one! I'm only 99% happy with some of the choices I made but when the house is falling apart I'll take 99% just to move on.
This is how our foyer has been looking for a couple of weeks.
And what used to be our living room and is living room/kitchen and dining room now.
