FOR MOST PEOPLE, the word “balance” doesn’t come to mind when remodeling a home. Instead, it can invoke feelings of anxiety and fear. However, with focus and planning, it is possible to mitigate the chaos and remain centered throughout the process.

Here are three ways to maintain sanity:

RELOCATE KEY FUNCTIONS

Most homeowners think they have to accept disruption and suffer through a remodel, but it doesn’t have to be that way. It is possible to keep a sense of normalcy and create a regular routine, which will go a long way toward ensuring a smooth remodeling experience. For example, during a kitchen remodel, set up another area of the home to serve as a temporary kitchen. Use a folding table for work surfaces, relocate the coffee maker, move the refrigerator (or get a mini fridge), and designate a space for frequently   used pantry items, such as cereal, peanut butter and canned goods.

As for food preparation, planning ahead will save future headaches. Make casseroles or easy-to-freeze meals to quickly warm up in the microwave. Dust off the crockpot and save time with one- pot cooking. Depending on how long the kitchen will be out of commission, consider purchasing a stand-alone induction burner (or two). After the renovation, they are handy to have when entertaining larger crowds.

If the family room will be out of commission, recreate the family’s favorite hang-out spot in another area of your home by turning a spare bedroom into a living space. Bring in favorite chairs, pillows and blankets so it feels more like the usual family gathering space. Family photos are a nice touch, too.

TIP: Don’t forget to minimize a pet’s stress as well. If Spunky the cat likes to hang out on a particular pillow in the living room window, try relocating the cushion to the temporary space a week or so before construction begins. This will help alleviate the pet’s stress and keep him out of the work area once things get going.

PLAN YOUR TIME WISELY

Don’t think it’s possible to stand the disruption? Use the remodel as an excuse to take a vacation! With a little planning, it’s possible to make the most of a difficult situation. Consider family day trips to a theme park or local museum to avoid the disarray at home.

TIP: Time away is best spent at the beginning of a remodel. This is when the demolition phase and noisier parts of the process take place. Most homeowners like to be around when items like countertops and tile are installed, to keep an eye on the quality of the workmanship.

MANAGING EXPECTATIONS

The best way to alleviate stress during a remodel is to minimize surprises. Whether it’s a first time renovation, or a project for a seasoned pro, it’s important to have clear lines of communication with the contractor at every stage of the process.

After the design is complete and before the first hammer is swung, schedule a pre-construction meeting with the contractor. This is the time to discuss topics such as what times of the day work will begin and end, how the rest of the home will be protected from foot traffic, where the dumpster will be placed, who is the main point of contact each day, and how the crew will manage pets during the work day. Discussing these little details before construction gets underway will help both the homeowner and the contractor get started on the right foot.

Of course, communication is critical throughout the construction phase, so try to arrange a weekly in-person progress meeting with the contractor. At this meeting, the contractor should share what happened the week before and what is planned for the week ahead. Prior to the meeting, walk the space alone and make a list of any concerns about quality or other general questions. Don’t be afraid to respectfully question contractors, as they want clients to be satisfied and happy with the end result, too. The earlier concerns are raised, the easier it is for them to be addressed in a timely manner, which will keep frustration in check.

At the end of the project, have a completion walk-through meeting to review any last items that need to be addressed (sometimes referred to as a “punch-list”). This is the time to test appliances, ask how new features are operated, learn where the extra tile and paint cans are stored, and get answers to other miscellaneous questions. Ensuring satisfaction with the end product when it comes to quality and finish is just as important to the contractor as it is to the homeowner. Don’t be in a hurry to just “get it over with” and rush the contractor to finish. Those nagging items that were not done quite to satisfaction will impact long-term feelings about the space. Meeting with the contractor towards the end of the process and addressing such concerns will help the homeowner maintain control and psychologically reclaim the space.

TIP: Schedule weekly progress meetings for the same day and time each week to minimize multiple schedule changes.

Every remodeling project is different, but no matter what size and scope, there is no reason why homeowners can’t maintain balance throughout the process. With planning (and of course, a good dash of patience) it’s possible to enjoy an incredible dream space in no time.