Are you getting ready to begin a renovation?  That is so exciting!  As someone who has helped homeowners navigate countless renovation projects, I’d like to share with you a few sanity saving tips that I’ve learned along the way.

1. Understand that some things are out of your control.  This is THE most important thing to remember.  We can have the best plans, but sometimes an unforeseen item comes up.  And it needs to be addressed.  NOW.  Don’t stress about it.  Accept it and prepare for it from the beginning.  
2. Hire Pros.  This will 100% assist you in navigating #1.  If you hire the professionals who have done this countless times before, they will help you tackle anything that comes up.  And you can rest easy that the job will be done correctly.  
3. Save wisely.  Hopefully, you have established a budget for your renovation.  And it may call for you to cut costs here and there to accommodate #1.  Be smart with the items you cut.  I don’t recommend trying to cut corners with your skilled trades (electricians, plumbers, etc.).  They are worth the money.  But perhaps the $25 each cabinet knobs you chose can be replaced with ones that are $10 each.  
4. Be decisive.  If you plan properly from the beginning, it will help you make decisions efficiently.  Changing your mind mid-renovation can be costly and time consuming.  
5. Don’t tear it up until you are ready to put it down.  This will save you a lot of headaches and discomfort.  Don’t tear apart your house until the parts and pieces necessary to begin putting it back together are ready.  

Remember that embarking on a renovation is awesome!  You should be proud, excited and grateful that you are able to do it.  And with the right people guiding you along the way, you will probably enjoy it!