What to Do When Christmas and a Home Renovation Happen at the Same Time
Renovations don’t always proceed in a clear-cut manner. A kitchen remodel or flooring job can sometimes keep going into November. Then December comes round again, and Christmas hasn’t got an excuse.
You’re not the only person who’s having their house remodeled during the holidays. Here’s how to do it.
Accept That This Year Looks Different
The first step is to give up the picture perfect idea of Christmas. This year your home might not be a magazine spread.
That is okay. Warmth and family togetherness are more memorable to families than a pristine living room. A little downbeat, and the season will get easier immediately.
Protect Your Decorations From Dust and Debris
Construction dust goes where people don’t know. Lays on furniture, fabric, and unclothed items.
Keep all favorite and/or decorative items off the job site. Ensure bins are closed, not open. If you will be putting anything special on display, make sure that it’s in a space that is closed off from the renovation.
Create a Temporary Gathering Space
If a kitchen and/or living room are not up and running, select one clean room that is functional for holiday celebrations. It can be a dining room, a finished basement, or a large bedroom.
Introduce a folding table, some string lights and some chairs. Doesn’t have to be fancy. It only needs to be cosy and not be part of the construction site’s chaos.
If the room does not normally have a heat source, a small space heater or an additional blanket may warm the room. A little holiday music makes a lot of atmosphere even if it’s not a finished space.
Talk to Your Contractor Early
Contractors realize that holidays are important to families. Discuss their late November and/or December plans in advance.
There is a slowdown around the holidays for some crews. Others rush to get the chores done before family guests are expected. Either way, there’s no surprise. Specifically ask if the work will be suspended on certain dates you are interested in.
Decide Which Areas Are Worth Decorating
It doesn’t have to be a full house. Choose 2-3 areas with the highest usage and target those areas.
A festive entrance hall and a snug gathering room can bring the holiday spirit. Avoid decorating rooms which are still under tarps or without drywall. It is time-saving and it prevents wastage of effort.
Let the Outside Carry the Holiday Spirit
The exterior of your home can look great even when your home is undergoing an interior renovation. Lights on your roofline, trees and bushes set the tone for holiday cheer without making contact with your construction site.
This is where families usually turn to for assistance. The numerous homeowners consider Cherry Hill christmas light installation for residential properties to achieve a well-looped appearance without having to use a ladder during the renovation. The bright lighting on the outside will compensate for an unfinished look on the inside.
Keep Safety a Priority
Renovation and guests do not get along. Unfinished floor, exposed tools, wires can pose potential hazards particularly when children and/or older relatives visit.
Clearly mark uncompleted spaces. Any curtain, shut door or even caution tape will work. Communicate with visitors about the rooms that are closed before they get here.
If there are unfinished sections of the home, especially if overnight guests are coming and going, consider a night-light or a lamp near the unfinished sections. Just a little bit more light can make a big difference in accident prevention.
Focus on What Matters Most
A holiday renovation is a challenge to patience. However, it doesn’t have to spoil the season.
Simplify your decorations. Keep in touch with your contractor. Design a warm room for your family to come together. Other things can wait till the New Year.
Christmas will still be Christmas even with a dust sheet in the hallway! The best vacations can be those that didn’t go according to plan.
