4 Be realistic about waiting times. Stock cabinetry can take more than a month or two to arrive; custom cabinetry takes even longer. Murphy's Law dictates that the one perfect shade of granite for your bathroom countertops will be out of stock when you want it. Or that the charcoal-colour slate flooring you ordered will arrive in green. Also, the dearth of skilled labourers means you may have to wait (and wait) to get certain types of work done. Ask your supplier for the ETA of your product and follow up on your orders; yes, this is the time to be that squeaky wheel. Do the same with your contractor. Always be polite; you're asking for accountability here, not miracles.
5 Be the family spin doctor. “Listen up, kids. We can't cook in the kitchen but guess what? It's barbecue night!” Fire up the outdoor grill – especially in a month not typically known for barbecues – and you'll generate excitement. A temporary basement kitchen can cook up some fun times, too; let your kids pick their own microwave dinners. Or dust off that electric crockpot you thought you'd never use, and make chili. (Childless or got money to burn? A reno's the perfect excuse for a hotel stay.)
6 Don't sweat the small stuff. Or the not-so-small stuff like a demolition's worth of plaster crumbs, wood splinters and dust. While many contractors will take care of the basic cleanup after a renovation (waste disposal, a general vacuum and mop down), consider hiring a heavy-duty cleanup crew for a really thorough job if you have the money. Expect to pay around $675 for a one-day visit from a team of four. Have no fear: if they run out of renovation-related tidying, they'll get busy reorganizing your closet or garage. After all, you have better things to do with your time – like enjoy your new kitchen or bathroom.
Read more in Homes and Renovating
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