While working from home can be hugely advantageous for many individuals, it does pose some unique challenges – especially when it comes to home renovations.
When you work outside of your home, you have the opportunity to have professional contractors do the work while you are not home.
However, while working from home, doing renovations comes with some important considerations.
Just because it’s more challenging to have renovations done while you are working at home doesn’t mean you should shy away from them!
There’s no reason your work situation should prevent you from remodeling your home.
Here are some ways that you can manage a home reno while working from home:
1. Set Your Work Hours
You may be hard-pressed to find a contractor who can be flexible with your work hours, but there are many professionals out there that can accommodate your unique needs.
With more people working from home, contractors are aware of the need to be flexible. While the work may take longer than usual, most are willing to stretch out their schedule to ensure the renovations are complete.
Otherwise, you may want to rearrange your schedule around the renovations.
For instance, you can consider taking conference calls during the contractors’ breaks or schedule them outside of the hours when you know the renovations will be the noisiest.
Discuss these considerations with your contractor ahead of time so that you both can remain productive throughout the day.
2. Set Up a Workspace Away from the Renovations
While the renovation is being completed, you should move your workspace to a room or space away from the part of the house being remodeled.
This can be tricky but even the corner of a spare room can make for a great temporary office until the renovations are completed. As long as you can get your work done with minimal interruptions.
One thing to keep in mind, however, is that if you eat at home during your work hours, but are having your kitchen remodeled, you will need a temporary kitchen set up.
Have things like a coffee maker, microwave, toaster, small fridge and utensils available in your workspace throughout the day.
Overall, make sure your workspace is not within the renovation zone. Speak with your contractor to discuss where they will need to set up equipment, how noisy it may be and where they will be coming in and out of your home.
3. Expect a Mess
When you work from home, you are constantly aware of the state of your household during the day. You may even take breaks to tackle household chores.
During a renovation, however, things will get messy. Don’t stress about keeping your home spotless.
What you should concern yourself about is the cleanliness of your workspace and living spaces. If there is dust flying around, section off these areas and vacuum daily – especially if you or your family have any sort of respiratory issues.
When you have professional contractors working in your home, you can also expect belongings to be moved or wrapped up. Be sure to store away any items you need access to in a part of the house that it not being renovated.
Managing a Home Renovation While Working From Home
Planning a renovation can be stressful enough – trying to have one completed while working from home may seem impossible.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t renovate your home!
By taking these tips into consideration, you can easily have your home upgraded and remodeled while continuing your work.
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