If you plan to sell an older property, you may have been advised to do some remodeling to increase the resale value.

Perhaps you’ve decided to expand your kitchen and create a luxury master bedroom suite, but are feeling completely stressed-out at the prospect of disrupting your home life.

How can you cope with the chaos of doing a remodel while living in the home?

First, choose your building contractor carefully. Ask your friends for recommendations based on their own experience and get local references. Put all of your expectations for the project in writing – what renovations are to be accomplished, the date of completion and the estimated cost. Ask the contractor to keep receipts for all materials and subcontract labor.

Set up basic house rules for the workers. Agree on what time they will arrive in the morning, how long their lunch break will be and when the work day will formally end. Set aside a place in the garage or basement for tools and materials to be stored overnight. Designate an entrance for the workers and a bathroom they can use.

If you set up clear agreements before the project begins and maintain open communication with your contractor, you will be more relaxed during your home remodel.

For professional advice on all aspects of buying or selling real estate, talk to Anne Scott at 203-438-2284.