We are 10 days into our kitchen and bathroom remodel project with Legacy Custom Remodeling. After being in “remodeling mode” for the past 10 days, I can I easily see why some people worry about remodeling their homes. I am not going to lie, there is definitely some stress. I am not someone who makes decisions quickly or easily, so I have had some pretty sleepless nights.
I do realize some of these decisions are not the end of the world, but I do want to do my best to choose things I will be happy with for years to come. That can be tough! I will say the that people at Legacy Custom Remodeling are amazing! If this project was with anyone else, I don’t know how I would feel. Everyone that works with Legacy (project mangers and sub contractors), are all super patient, knowledgeable, and friendly. They definitely know how to work with their clients to create a finished project that they will love. They bring the client’s vision of their space into reality. Now that most decisions are behind me (I hope), I am finally getting to the point where I am excited about things.
Here are the things that I’ve learned about dealing with renovation projects:
1. There are more decisions to make than you can imagine, and just when you think you are done making them another one comes up! Today it was choosing grout color. That’s something I had not even thought about. From cabinet handles to shower heads to counter type and color…..it can be a lot to think about!
Trying to match floor tiles and bathroom sink tops
2. You need to give the people working on your house the space they need. We decided to live in the basement. Our entire family of four decided to squeeze down here and live with it. It’s probably best to move to a hotel or find another place to live, but since it wasn’t in our funds to do so and we have no family around living in the area this just made sense. We have really kept ourselves pretty separate from the upstairs though. We use our backdoor to get in the basement, so we are pretty much just using it like an apartment.
3. Prepare before you get your project started. I got some pretty cool books to look through for ideas, but that was already part way into my renovation. There were some things already done and decisions made that I could not change. Know what you want in detail before you start. I know that’s difficult until you live through it, but do your best. I feel like I’ve learned so much about home renovations in the past 10 days (much more than my years of watching HGTV taught me).
4. Hire a contractor that you can trust. I truly love working with Legacy Custom Remodeling because I trust their professional opinion, I trust having them here in my space, and I know that the final product will be something I will love because they are helping me every step of the way. They communicate with me and ask me how I want things to look. I know that sometimes this means more decisions and sleepless nights for me, but I appreciate it and it will be worth it in the end.
5. All the horror stories with renovations don’t come true. I am so glad this was the case with our renovation. I probably watched too many home renovation shows on HGTV, but before demo I was really nervous about what was behind the walls (leaking pipes, water damage, mold, termite damage, etc). Luckily, we did not have any of that! Also, when I posted that we were starting a renovation people said, “Yeah, good luck with that! If they said 3 weeks it’s really 3 months!” I had many people say that to me. If you’ve been following me at #LegacyRemodelRI on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter then you know we have been moving right along. In fact, we are still on schedule for a 3 week time frame! Legacy does not mess around! They work fast and with keeping the quality of work a high priority! I will be sure to let you know how everything works out in the end, but as of right now I am happy with the work they are doing and would definitely recommend them at this point.
Tomorrow the granite will be delivered, and then the tile workers and painters will be here right after that! It’s amazing! Thank you Legacy! Oh, and if you have a dumpster in your yard during renovation, beware of dumpster divers!
Remodeling is never an easy job (even if someone else is doing the work). You have to love the outcome or it is all for nothing. It looks great so far, take your time with the decisions so you do not regret it later – I learned that the hard way.
Great tips! I’m thinking about remodeling sometime in the future, I’ll remember this!
I hate the remodeling side of being a homeowner sometimes. It’s really a lesson in stress management! Glad you’re starting to see some definite results! It’s looking great!
We spent an entire year remodeling our home so I definitely feel your pain. But in the end, it’s all worth it and you’ll love having something you picked out yourself!!
We are looking to remodel the kitchen and I’m a little nervous about all the decisions that will need to be made. We have a hard time even deciding what’s for dinner, let alone what fittings/colors/patterns/sizes/etc. of everything there is!
I will never forget when we did our own remodeling project. It took much longer then I thought it would.
Your cabinets are really pretty! This project is coming along fast!
Oh, that looks like a huge project! Good luck, can’t wait to see the finished product.
I can’t wait to see the final reveal! I can’t imagine having to live in a remodel for several weeks. I’m so excited for you. It’s making me really want my house now!
I think I would have to disappear when the project started or I would go crazy! But, I’m sure the results are totally worth it.
You are certainly a brave woman doing both the kitchen and bathroom at the same time! We did our kitchen this summer and a 4 week project turned into 6 weeks…but I love the end results. I’m sure you will too! Good luck.
Its going to look so fabulous when its done that it will be worth the temporary living arrangements. I can’t wait to see the end results!
Wow everything looks great! We have been remodeling our bathroom and the mess is everywhere, so I can sympathize with you.
I cannot wait to see the final project. It’s going to be amazing!
Wow!! It is going to look awesome when it is done! Can’t wait to see the finished product!
As stressful as that may be, it’s so fun and exciting when it’s done! I’ve done this before….so I know exactly what it feels like. 🙂
I’m like you, decisions of this nature are tough for me. I just don’t want to ‘get it wrong’ 🙂
I’m sure it’s a pain having to deal with the mess and the decision, but I can’t wait to see the final project results. I’m sure it will be all worth it! Good luck with everything. I really want to remodel our bathroom(s).
How exciting!!! I can’t wait to see the final photos! You are brave for living in the basement but it will all be worth it. And thanks for posting, since we are local I am keeping their name for our future master bath remodel!
Great tips and it looks amazing. I can’t wait to see the finished project! Thanks for sharing…
I love a good remodel project … I am always trying to figure out what I can do next, this was a great post, thank you
After 10 days it’s really starting to come together. I think I can see your vision for the makeover now, and can’t wait to see the final product.
We’ve been remodeling our bathrooms for the last few months. Such a pain. Thanks for the info.
You are right to be aware of dumpster divers. We did a cleanout at my dad’s and I couldn’t believe all the people who just came driving up and starting going through stuff.
I would love to remodel our kitchen. I spend so much time in it and would love to make a few changes.
Super jealous of your project… and IN LOVE!!!! Beautiful choices!
How exciting. I find remodeling to be a lot of fun. Stressful, but fun!
I can’t wait to see the end results! You have me a little nervous about going through this some day, but your end result will assuage my fears, I’m sure!
I am with you – I hear too many horror stories and dread remodeling. It looks great so far, though. The end result will be amazing!!!
I can’t believe your whole family is living out of the basement! We would kill each other for sure=). Can’t wait to see it finished!!
Wow! It looks gorgeous already!!! How exciting!
Looks beautiful. I love home improvement projects,
Wow what a difference – I’ve loved seeing the transformation pictures! Can’t wait to see the finished product 🙂