4 Tips For Balancing Home Improvement and Mental Wellbeing

Embarking on a home renovation journey can be as transformative for your mental state as it is for your living space. While the prospect of a fresh, updated home may spark initial excitement, the emotional rollercoaster that often accompanies such projects can leave many questioning their decision.

The constant noise, dust, and disruption to daily routines can take a significant toll on one’s mental well-being, potentially leading to stress, anxiety, and even depression.

As they say, being well-informed equals being armed and, thus, emotionally stable. Let’s dive deeper into the realities of home renovation and uncover some tips on how to prepare for it mentally, emotionally, and financially.

Common Signs That Your Home Needs Renovation

There are multiple reasons why renovating your home can become an option. Some homeowners are willing to cash out when selling the house. Others simply want to improve their living space and increase their comfort and enjoyment of their home.

Whichever group you belong to, or even if you’re just curious, here are some signs of when a home needs a makeover.

• Ageing systems and infrastructure: Mechanical systems like plumbing, electrical wiring, and HVAC have a lifespan of about 50 years. After this period, they are often on “borrowed time” and may need to be replaced to ensure safety and efficiency. Living with unreliable systems can cause chronic stress and anxiety, so addressing these issues can provide peace of mind.
• Outdated design and layout: If you get an iffy feeling that your home’s interior sends you to a different era, like a time machine, it might be time to update its design and add modern functionality. A refreshed living space positively impacts your mood and overall mental state, creating a more uplifting environment.
• Visible wear and tear: Peeling paint, damaged flooring, dampness, mould or poor insulation suggest your home needs attention.
• Changes in lifestyle needs: Whether it’s you having a baby or starting to work from home, chances are your current space won’t meet your needs. Future-proofing your home by considering long-term needs is a key motivator for renovations.
• Energy efficiency: High energy bills may indicate poor insulation, outdated windows, or inefficient heating and cooling systems. Upgrading these can save money in the long run while improving comfort. Remember, a boiler replacement cost is still lower in the long run than sky-high energy bills caused by inefficient heating systems.
• The desire for increased property value:Addressing structural issues or modernising outdated areas before selling can make your property more appealing to buyers. For example, kitchen and bathroom remodels often yield high returns on investment.

If you refer to the points above, congratulations: you’re well on your way to potential renovation. Yet, don’t worry; there are ways to prepare mentally and theoretically for this experience.

1. Define your Goals

Create a clear outline of what you want to achieve with your renovation. Do you want to increase space, update outdated features or improve the energy efficiency of your home?

Once the goals are set, gather inspiration from Pinterest, home improvement websites and local showrooms. This should help you to get a detailed plan of the desired results, including specific materials and design elements.

Think about how these changes will affect your daily life and mood. For example, increasing natural light can positively influence mental health. Distinguish between “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves” to make potential compromises less emotionally taxing.

In case you’re planning for some very custom decisions, try to find out how long they take to be realised and whether they will fit in the timeline of your renovation. To be on the safe side and to reduce stress, add a buffer of 20-30% to the estimated completion time.

While all goals seem to be uncompromisable when planning, be realistic and think of a plan B in case something goes amiss.

2. Plan your Budget

First, create a detailed spreadsheet to track all expenses, breaking down costs into categories such as cabinets, countertops, and installation. Research average costs—like the typical £11,500 spent on a kitchen renovation—and set aside 5-10% of your total budget to cover unexpected expenses.

Prioritise your needs to make sure you allocate funds effectively and obtain multiple quotes from contractors to compare prices. Consider DIY options for tasks you can realistically handle, and remember to factor in often-overlooked expenses like planning permission and VAT.

Be realistic about timelines, as longer projects bring extra costs, such as extended rental accommodation or storage units for your furniture and belongings. Explore financing options, whether through savings or loans and plan for long-term investments in quality materials that save money over time.

Remember to diligently track your expenses by keeping receipts and updating your budget regularly to maintain a clear picture of your spending throughout the renovation process. This habit of regular financial check-ins can help you feel more in control and less stressed about the ongoing costs.

3. Hire Professionals

Research experienced local architects, designers, or contractors and check whether they are properly licensed and insured. Present your renovation plans and budget, and work together to establish a realistic timeline for your project and list all necessary permissions you might need.

Be prepared for potential delays and plan accordingly, especially if you need to make alternative living arrangements.

Set up regular check-ins with your contractor or project manager. Decide on the best communication method (e.g., email, phone, or in-person meetings) to stay informed about progress and any issues or misunderstandings that arise.

Stay organised and keep important contacts, permits, design plans, and receipts in a dedicated folder.

4. Prepare for Disruption

This is one of the core things to do when planning a renovation. Understanding that renovations are inherently disruptive would be quite helpful for all family members. Discuss with your family that there will be noise, dust, temporary inconveniences and even possible delays, but it all will eventually end (hopefully by the end of the predefined timeline).

If possible, designate a “renovation-free” zone to maintain a sense of normalcy during the chaos. Vacuum and wipe down surfaces daily and use plastic sheeting and tape to create barriers between work and living areas. Invest in HEPA air purifiers to filter the air in your living areas. Spend maximum time outdoors and plan short getaways or day trips to escape the renovation environment. However, don’t stay out of the contractor’s reach in case of emergency.

Going in for renovation shouldn’t be a pain in the neck. While going through the actual process of renovating your home might bring occasional headaches, careful planning and realistic expectations significantly reduce stress and make the experience more manageable.