If you are remodeling for the first time, it can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. From the thrill of the design phase to the anxious longing for your project’s completion, the high and low emotions you feel along the way are so common, they’re predictable.
At Action Builders, we understand how stressful, yet exciting the remodeling process can feel. We get it! With over 30 years in the industry, we have helped hundreds of homeowners with remodeling from start to finish.
What to Expect During Your Remodel
The best preparation for your remodeling project is knowing what to expect during each phase and understanding the emotions that come with it.
Why Are Emotions So Pronounced Throughout the Remodeling Journey?
Upgrading your space into the home of your dreams is a significant investment. Naturally, there will be lots of excitement at first, and then some days may seem to drag on. The emotions you experience throughout the remodeling journey reflect where you are in the process itself. The emotional curve is a real thing, and every homeowner experiences it.
Emotions are more pronounced if your living situation is stressful, whether you’re in the house being renovated or crammed into a small apartment with your children and pets.
Preconstruction’s Exhilarating Design Phase and Sobering Contract Signing
Remodeling begins with the design phase, and it is fun! Everyone delights in the possibilities on the horizon. Budget is still a topic of caution, but it is exciting to see your project go on paper. It’s tempting to pull back during this phase. Hang in there and solidify the design and scope of work within a comfortable budget.
Next, you’ll sign the construction contract. You may find yourself at a lower point emotionally once it’s signed.
The Enjoyable Selection Phase and Initial Thrill of Beginning Construction
After the contract signing, emotions trend upward! People get excited about the selection phase during preconstruction and all the possibilities and finishing touches.
When your project’s construction first starts, it feels like, “Yay! Let’s go!” Then, dirt and mud sit there with a machine in your backyard while it rains, and you may feel somewhat discouraged.
Finally, framing happens. It is going up! How exciting! You are loving this process, and if the weather holds and framing moves forward—you are happy. If the weather gets bad and slows down framing, you can handle the delay.
The Exciting Flurry of the Mechanicals (Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical)
Mechanicals are a crazy time! There are so many trades in the house, and your street is packed with work trucks. Yesterday’s decisions become today’s reality. You see how the interior framing and layout look; then the HVAC goes in. Your plumbing gets roughed, and the electrical work is done. You get peppered with questions and confirmations (which Action Builders triple checks along the way). You can’t control the situation, which is moving fast!
The Humdrum of Drywall
Then, everyone passes inspections and it suddenly seems quiet as drywall is hung. Everything was moving so fast, but now you are literally watching drywall mud slowly dry! Siding or decking may be installed, but your interior feels like a ghost town! You thought you were on the up-and-up, but now you aren’t sure. And then…
Experience the Thrill of Your Interior Coming Together!
Paint goes on the walls and looks beautiful! The colors are perfect, and your space is warming up. Your new flooring goes in. Stunning cabinetry, trim, and doors are installed. Everything feels like it is arriving at once and coming together. Stylish tile is being laid in your bathrooms and gorgeous countertops are installed in your kitchen. After dealing with a construction zone for so long, the space is finally becoming your dream home, and you love it!
But Some Things Are Not Perfect Upon Arrival!
Unless…things are not as you expected. Is that a speck on your new floor? Is that a small dent next to the brand-new electrical cover plate? What is happening? You expected a beautiful renovation, and it feels like there are minor imperfections everywhere! The sliding door doesn’t close all the way, and the master bath faucet arrived damaged. Is this renovation ever going to end?
The exterior light you spent hours selecting has arrived and is too small. Now you must go pick out another one while the electrician looms over you. You feel stressed. All your stuff is everywhere, and the contractor can’t let you move into the addition yet because it isn’t finished.
And Some Things Take Longer Than They Should
Lists of issues that need to be completed or fixed to finish your project (punch lists) are made—and resolved. Final touches are completed. But the inspector takes forever to arrive for the electrical inspection—which pushes off the final occupancy inspection, and you feel done. You are tired of feeding your kids microwaved macaroni and cheese, and you just want your life back!
But in the End, It Is Worth It!
Then the inspector shows up! The dump truck arrives with the final load of topsoil and your yard is graded out. You see the light at the end of the tunnel. Your dream home is completed, and you love it.
Suddenly, the sun shines brighter. Now you are going to miss the same workers you were tired of last week. In six months, what you just did will seem like nothing. You won’t remember yelping after you tripped over the shoes piled in the dining room. Looking back, you decide that renovating was fun, and you’re thrilled with your new home!
Simplify the Remodeling Journey with Action Builders
Taking the remodeling journey with a design-build team like Action Builders means we work with you the whole way—from your project’s concept to completion! Picture yourself enjoying life in your new space, then take a moment to learn more about Action Builders. Our premium remodeling services can bring your dreams to life. Let’s do this!
