Home remodeling can be challenging, especially on an island where resources are fewer, and items can take time to arrive by boat. Whether it’s something relatively easy like changing the paint color, or something major like a complete home remodel, if you plan ahead the process is not only survivable, it can even be fun and very rewarding. It changes your life!

Don’t let renovation anxiety stop you from achieving your real estate dreams. Here are 5 strategies to help you remodel your home:

  1. Keep track of your progress, no matter how small, in a journal or photographs. It’s important and encouraging to see how much progress you’ve made toward reaching your goal as you go along. 
  2. Avoid decision fatigue. It’s good practice to purchase fixtures (sinks, faucets, ceiling lights, and even door handles) well before you need to install them so you don’t encounter delays. Batch fixtures by the room or by type. This will put you on a path to interior design success.
  3. Consider working on one room or floor at a time and sealing it off with plastic sheeting to prevent dust from getting everywhere. And though it should go without saying, always keep one bathroom fully functional.
  4. Get clever with cooking. You use your kitchen every day, so if it’s under construction, things get a little tricky. Stock up on no-bake and one-pot recipes (all you need for the latter is one hot plate). Use an outdoor grill to get away from the construction scene and dust.
  5. Keep your eyes on the prize! No matter how much preparation you do, renovations can be draining. One of the best ways to maintain enthusiasm is by taking “before and after” photos. The visual comparison will help you relax and remember just how far you’ve come, serving as an instant pick-me-up on tough days. It also becomes a record for any future reference.

Our Clients, who’ve become our friends, purchased this home with us. They’ve completed their beautiful kitchen renovation. See the BEFORE & AFTER photos they shared with us (above)!

Looking to buy a home to renovate? Check out our video below as we walk through some questions you should consider when searching for a ‘fixer-upper.’