Managing the Holiday Rush
How to Handle a Renovation During the Festive Season
As the holiday season starts to appear on the horizon, we often sense a shift in energy. There is a very real stress that sets in for many homeowners—the sudden realization that the holidays are fast approaching and the overwhelming desire to have the project done as quickly as possible.
We get it. And as much as you want us to be finished, we want to be finished just as badly! We want to make you happy and help you start the new year as fresh as possible. However, wrapping up a major project exactly before the holidays isn’t always feasible, no matter how much we’d all like it to be.
I always tell homeowners before we get started that a renovation is an emotional roller coaster, and very quickly, they realize I am right. There is perhaps no harder time to have a renovation underway than during the holidays. You will have moments of excitement, followed by moments where you just want your house back.
These emotions cover everything you endure to reach that beautiful, remodeled state. So, as we head into this busy season, I wanted to share 5 Tips for Managing Your Renovation During the Holidays to help keep your project—and your sanity—on track.
1. Coordinate Your Schedules Early
Communication is the most critical tool in your belt. Talk to your Project Manager about your holiday plans as early as possible. If you are hosting a party or have family flying in, let the team know the specific dates.
We can try and adjust the schedule to ensure we aren’t making noise or creating dust while you are hosting Thanksgiving dinner or a holiday cocktail hour. If we know your “blackout dates” in advance, we can plan around them seamlessly.
2. Define Realistic Expectations
Be upfront and honest about your thoughts and feelings. Help your Project Manager understand exactly what you need to feel comfortable during the season. We might not be able to finish the entire addition or have the kitchen 100% complete by your deadline, but we can focus on “quality of life” improvements. Maybe getting the dumpster removed from the driveway or organizing materials so they are out of sight would help your home feel less like a construction site. If we know what bothers you most, we can prioritize fixing it before your guests arrive.
3. Designate a Storage Zone
Construction requires materials, tools, and space. To keep your living areas clear for guests, work with your team to designate a specific place where all stock and tools can be stored and covered at the end of the day.
If everyone is on the same page about where the “construction zone” ends and the “living zone” begins, the stress of clutter becomes much easier to manage.
4. Be Flexible & Reasonable
If you’ve talked to your contractor about the plan and designated a reasonable storage spot, the next step is to practice flexibility. Construction is an industry with many moving parts—weather, supply chains, and unforeseen structural issues can all shift a timeline.
Our team is doing everything they can to meet your goals. Remember, you will likely be more worked up about the progress of the project than any guest you have over.
5. It’s the Holidays! DECORATE!
This is my favorite tip: Do not pause your joy. Even though there is a remodel going on, put up your decorations!
Put lights on that half-finished addition. Hang a wreath on the temporary door. There is no reason not to be festive. Frame the construction as part of the story of your home. It will be a memorable holiday regardless, but whether those memories are stressful or adventurous is largely up to you and how you handle the journey.
The Takeaway
The common thread through these tips is simple: Communicate with our remodeling team.
No one wants to add stress to an already busy time of year. By keeping the lines of communication open, remaining flexible, and remembering to have a little fun with it, you can navigate a holiday renovation with grace.
From our team to your family, we wish you a happy (and productive) holiday season!
