Stress Levels and Remodeling a House

Pick Good Timing

• Make sure the remodel is initiated in the right season. For example, don't plan to build a new chimney for the family room addition in the middle of winter. Begin such a project in late spring, so that the heat pump isn't overloaded when walls are removed. Figure out the least stressful times for work and school schedules, too. Plan new flooring, for instance, in the summer when kids are out of school.

Use a Workable Budget

• Be sure the budget will fit the project. There's nothing more stressful than overextending your credit or monthly payments. Running out of funding in the middle of a remodel won't happen if you plan accurately. Be sure to allow 10 to 15 percent above your initial estimate, just in case something unforeseen happens.

Anticipate Health Issues

• Consider the allergies of family members. For example, if you plan to use polyurethane to seal new hardwood floors, make sure the family member with asthma spends a few days with a friend. Paint and other chemically laden substances can trigger hives and breathing problems even for a healthy person if exposure is significant. Vent all areas well when chemicals are being used.

Maintain Adequate Privacy

• Plan for privacy during a remodel. Your children might not want to share a bathroom or bedroom. If there's sibling rivalry going on, try moving one of your kids into the master bedroom temporarily. Move to a smaller bedroom yourself to keep the peace. Keep in mind that removing house blinds or curtains can make it easy for neighbors to view your home interior, too. Privacy screening can be created with sheets or large paint drop cloths secured by curtain rod hardware on the sides of windows.

Lower Marriage Tension

• Couples often quarrel during home building or remodeling. Tension that is already in place between partners can rise during a home makeover. Underlying issues of poor communication or disagreement over the viability of the project will come into play. Be sure to take time out to cool down, if quarreling escalates. Stress levels rise when an individual feels a loss of control. Try to offer some control and decision-making to your mate to keep stress down.