Homes Plus
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1501287
JUNE 2023 HOME 7 MILWAUKEE — "During a home remodel, homeowners often must make temporary lifestyle changes until the work is com- plete," said Christi Pryor, market- ing manager with Callen Con- struction, Inc. "If remodeling a home com- pletely, some clients may choose to relocate entirely during the remodel. In either case, posses- sions and appliances must be relo- cated out of construction areas," Pryor said. Ensuring the safety of home- owners and workers, keeping pos- sessions and pets out of harm's way, and maintaining access to appliances become priorities for preserving comfort until the remodel is finished. An important decision for a homeowner is what their living arrangements will be during the remodeling period. This is best decided well in advance of the start date, and a qualified remod- eling firm such as Callen will be able to provide a detailed plan of which areas in the home will be made less accessible. It is impor- tant to form a mutual understand- ing of how long the project will take and what accommodations will be made. "Homeowners are encouraged to consider where they will eat and do dishes, as well as an available bathroom and shower," Pryor said. At least one toilet will be avail- able for use, and, circumstances permitting, a temporary shower can be set up. During a kitchen remodel, standalone appliances, like a coffee maker and microwave, may still be usable if moved out of the kitchen. Depend- ing on which areas are available, homeowners can determine what their dining options will be in advance. It is advisable to plan meals ahead of the remodel as much as possible — meals can be prepared in advance and frozen, and take-out or dining out are all options to consider. Pets should also be given ade- quate accommodation and kept out of construction areas, as they may pose a safety concern to work- ers and themselves. "We also install barriers to close off areas while work is underway, which can be accessed once the work site is safe and clean," said Pryor. Personal possessions Personal possessions must also be cleared out of the construction areas prior to the start date, so that nothing is lost, damaged, or com- promising to the worker's safety. Placing these in labeled boxes or storage bins is an effective storage method, categorizing items by room or function. "This is a great opportunity to take inventory of the home and clear out belongings," she said. "You can go through drawers and cabinets and donate anything no longer used. If children are in the home, keep a donation bin on hand for old clothes or toys." It can be useful to organize these possessions according to where they will be stored post-remodel in order to ease the unpacking process. Items can also be organ- ized according to how likely they are to be used during the remodel- ing period, keeping the high-prior- ity ones accessible. Unforeseen situations may some- times extend a renovation, and therefore maintaining access to belongings you may need in the longer-term is important, Pryor said. "Movable storage, such as cabinets on wheels, also helps if items need to be relocated between storage areas as the remodel pro- gresses." The quality of the remodeling company will play a large role in a homeowner's experience during their work. As is standard practice for contracting projects, looking up the remodeler in the Better Busi- ness Bureau, determining if they are members of professional organizations like NARI or the MBA, and verifying the validity of their certifications and insurance is recommended prior to deciding on a contractor. Callen's Muskego showroom, S63-W13131 Janesville Road, con- tains a variety of samples, includ- ing full kitchen and bath displays featuring Kohler fixtures and Star- mark Cabinetry products, counter- tops, as well as Infinity from Mar- vin Fiberglass replacement win- dows and ProVia Doors. The Callen "Window Showcase" at Bay View Shade and Blind, 1616 Paramount Drive in Waukesha, features a dis- play of Infinity from Marvin Fiber- glass replacement windows and a patio door, all with Bay View Shade and Blind products. (Callen is a member of several home improvement and area associ- ations, including NARI Milwaukee, the Metropolitan Builders Associa- tion, the Better Business Bureau and the Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce.) Staying organized during a home remodel Submitted photo When a kitchen remodel is in progress, the laundry room sink is a convenient option for dishwashing after meals and washing hair and sponge bathing for adults and children. Appliances and other possessions are often moved during construction