Let’s talk about it—everyone plans the project, but almost nobody plans for living through it.

Remodels are exciting. New kitchen! Fresh bathroom! That dream office! But while you’re busy choosing tile and comparing paint swatches, there’s one thing most Florida homeowners forget to prepare for: the lifestyle shift during construction.

Tip #1: Your House Will Be a Construction Zone

Even the tidiest contractors leave some dust. If you’re remodeling your kitchen, guess what? You’ll be eating out, washing dishes in the bathroom sink, or relying on paper plates for a few weeks. Same goes for bathroom projects—where are you showering?

Tip #2: Communicate With Your Contractor Often

Set check-ins. Ask what’s happening each week. If something changes—delivery delays, electrical issues, weather—they should let you know ASAP. Good communication keeps expectations realistic and stress lower.

I had a client once who didn’t realize demo on her floors would take up the entire living room and hallway. She had a newborn, two dogs, and no way to get from the bedroom to the kitchen without stepping over glue. A five-minute planning conversation could’ve avoided it.

Tip #3: Set Up a “Safe Zone”

Designate an area of your house where no work is happening. Keep it clean, quiet, and stocked with essentials. This gives you a space to escape the chaos—even just mentally.

Tip #4: Consider Temporary Relocation (for Big Jobs)

For major renovations—full kitchen or bathroom gut jobs, flooring replacement, roof tear-offs—consider staying elsewhere for a few days. A week in an Airbnb may save your sanity (and your lungs).

Tip #5: Expect Delays (and Stay Flexible)

Florida has a love-hate relationship with shipping and weather. Materials arrive late. Thunderstorms delay exterior work. Don’t schedule the reveal party the day after the project’s supposed to finish. Give it breathing room.

Tip #6: Budget Emotionally, Too

Remodeling is exciting… but also disruptive. Be patient—with your contractor, with your family, and with the process. Things will go wrong. But with a good team and a bit of flexibility, they’ll get made right.

Your home’s transformation is a journey. Plan for the mess, not just the makeover.