The Ultimate Nesting Project!
It never ceases to amaze me the number of clients who opt to remodel or build homes during pregnancy! It’s as if preparing for a newborn creates a sense of urgency to make things perfect or to complete plans that maybe have been thrust on the back burner for years. You’ve probably heard of nesting, right?
Preparing for the arrival of your newest addition can bring big emotions and an intense desire to perfect the space in which you live. So, how can you best move through these projects with less stress and a positive outcome?
Hire a great contractor
A good contractor will give accurate completion dates, know of possible delays and how to fix them and how to ease common concerns with action instead of broken promises. Check with local mom groups like LexMom and of course the Better Business Bureau. Make sure multiple people have had optimal experiences before jumping in and then finding out the hard way.
The inevitable delay
Inevitably there will be a delay. Wrapping your mind around having an unfinished project seems counter intuitive when you have a great contractor, but please do yourself a favor and mentally prepare for the worst. The amount of times we’ve had clients with newborns living in a construction zone would shock you. The stress of having newborn is then amplified by having strangers in your home as you’re trying to rest and recover from birth. Starting projects early will be to your advantage, specifically if you want to avoid the implications of a delay.
Stick to the original plan
You may go into a project thinking you’re just going to change out a vanity and light fixture. Small changes that can be done quickly and efficiently are always a good plan. The issue arises when you then decide to go ahead and change flooring, which leads to new windows, which leads to new paint. You get the picture! A simple project has the propensity to turn into a whole gut and remodel if you aren’t careful! Sticking to the plan gives you the best chance at completion before your baby makes their arrival.
Give yourself grace
Be sure to give yourself extra self care days as projects are taking place. Remind yourself of what the final result will be and how excited you are about it! Book a massage, plan day trips away from the construction zone, allow for frustration to occur when it does, or head to yoga a few times a week. Taking care of yourself physically and emotionally when your home is in upheaval is absolutely essential.
Did you plan a big renovation while pregnant or awaiting the arrival of a baby? How did it go? Did you have any regrets?