Theresa and Mark Clement, the husband-and-wife team behind the popular do-it-yourself radio show and website MyFixItUpLife, spend a great deal of time together. As life partners and business collaborators, they tackle more projects together and interact on more levels than many couples do.
They’ve gone through numerous remodels and renovations as a team. DIY Life asked Mark to share his marriage advice for remodelers, and while his list is aimed at couples, the guidance is also very useful for families undergoing renovations. Below are the best tips adapted from Mark’s advice, presented in clear, practical terms for anyone renovating a home.
1. Manage Expectations
Renovation projects almost inevitably run into problems. Often the issues aren’t the result of anyone’s mistake; homes are complex systems and unexpected complications are normal. A healthy respect for that complexity and a willingness to accept setbacks will make it much easier to navigate roadblocks when they appear.
2. Plan First
Many renovation headaches come from acting too quickly. People tear out an old deck or gut a room before they have a detailed plan for the replacement. Write an outline of the steps required, estimate how long each step will take, and decide when they’ll be done. Create material lists and map dependencies between tasks (builders call this a “critical path”). Also build in flexibility: expect to be wrong sometimes and be ready to improvise where needed.
For jobs that legally require permits, pull them. Doing so protects your investment, helps ensure work meets code, and avoids costly rework or fines down the line.
3. Prepare for Dust, Dirt, and Inconvenience
The larger the project, the greater the disruption. Different people tolerate that disruption differently: from washing dishes in the bathtub to dealing with tool piles during the holidays or having dust spread into rooms that aren’t being worked on. These inconveniences wear on everyone eventually. One practical solution is to budget for occasional professional cleaning to keep living areas functional and reduce stress.
4. Adjust Your Schedule
A common mistake among DIY renovators is not adapting daily routines to meet the project’s demands. Houses can look torn apart and budgets can be strained, yet homeowners still keep the same leisurely habits—starting work late, taking long breaks, chatting with neighbors, or otherwise letting time slip away. If you want to finish on time and avoid escalating costs and frustration, treat the renovation like a project: set a work schedule, prioritize critical tasks, and limit distractions.
Renovating as a couple or a family tests communication, patience, and planning. Clear expectations, thoughtful planning, realistic tolerance for mess and disruption, and a disciplined schedule will go a long way toward a smoother, less stressful renovation. These principles help protect relationships and budgets while making it more likely your project finishes successfully.