5 Ways to Survive a Renovation With Your Relationship Intact
The Houzz 2022 Renovations & Relationships survey reveals the main causes of strife – so you can avoid them
Sarah Alcroft
11 July 2022
Houzz UK Editorial Team
Renovating, it’s fair to say, can be stressful, and it’s natural to take any frustrations out on your partner. Having to make quick decisions while sticking to a budget and timeline – not to mention living amid a building site – would test anyone’s patience. However, there are ways to make the process smoother and survive a renovation with your relationship intact.
In February, Houzz surveyed homeowners who’d completed a renovation project within the past five years to find out where the pain points were. The good news is, 42% said the experience was fulfilling – with only 1% suggesting they’d found it boring. However, almost half of respondents (47%) admitted the process was frustrating – and for 11%, the thought of couples counselling even crossed their minds! But don’t despair – here are some ways to head off any niggles at the pass and sail through your renovation together.
In February, Houzz surveyed homeowners who’d completed a renovation project within the past five years to find out where the pain points were. The good news is, 42% said the experience was fulfilling – with only 1% suggesting they’d found it boring. However, almost half of respondents (47%) admitted the process was frustrating – and for 11%, the thought of couples counselling even crossed their minds! But don’t despair – here are some ways to head off any niggles at the pass and sail through your renovation together.
1. Decide on details well ahead of time
There’s a huge number of decisions to make during a renovation, from flooring and wall coverings to the optimum number of sockets and the positioning of lights. So before you find yourself in the midst of a renovation, arguing over the perfect off-white paint, it’s worth sitting down together to talk about your wants, needs and design preferences.
Of the homeowners we surveyed, 66% had disagreements during their project, with design decisions causing the most arguments, particularly when it came to the products, materials and finishes used (35%).
Top of these were furniture (42%); flooring/floor coverings (40%); wall paint (38%), and decorative items (36%), so list as many as you can think of, pour a glass of your favourite tipple, and thrash them out before you talk to your designer or architect.
There’s a huge number of decisions to make during a renovation, from flooring and wall coverings to the optimum number of sockets and the positioning of lights. So before you find yourself in the midst of a renovation, arguing over the perfect off-white paint, it’s worth sitting down together to talk about your wants, needs and design preferences.
Of the homeowners we surveyed, 66% had disagreements during their project, with design decisions causing the most arguments, particularly when it came to the products, materials and finishes used (35%).
Top of these were furniture (42%); flooring/floor coverings (40%); wall paint (38%), and decorative items (36%), so list as many as you can think of, pour a glass of your favourite tipple, and thrash them out before you talk to your designer or architect.
2. Take the time to find the right professional
Having someone on your team who’s used to the renovation process can be very comforting, especially if you and your partner are at loggerheads. When it came to overcoming challenges during their renovation, more than two-fifths (43%) of the survey respondents said advice from pros was the most helpful factor.
Good professionals understand how the renovation process works, so they can guide you through it, solve unforeseen problems, and offer advice about everything from budget and timelines to materials and products.
Two fifths (40%) of renovators also said access to tools to help them better visualise the end result would have made the process smoother. Look out for pros who use our project management software, Houzz Pro, as they will have access to a number of really useful tools to help you picture your project, such as moodboards, 3D floor plans, and even an augmented reality Walkthrough tool.
Find your perfect professional on Houzz.
Having someone on your team who’s used to the renovation process can be very comforting, especially if you and your partner are at loggerheads. When it came to overcoming challenges during their renovation, more than two-fifths (43%) of the survey respondents said advice from pros was the most helpful factor.
Good professionals understand how the renovation process works, so they can guide you through it, solve unforeseen problems, and offer advice about everything from budget and timelines to materials and products.
Two fifths (40%) of renovators also said access to tools to help them better visualise the end result would have made the process smoother. Look out for pros who use our project management software, Houzz Pro, as they will have access to a number of really useful tools to help you picture your project, such as moodboards, 3D floor plans, and even an augmented reality Walkthrough tool.
Find your perfect professional on Houzz.
3. Get inspiration and advice from others
Looking at similar projects together before you settle on a scheme – to see what doesn’t work for you as well as what does – can ensure you both have the same vision in mind. Search for photos online; 42% of our survey respondents, for instance, found photos and ideas on Houzz useful for resolving challenges.
Asking for advice from others who’ve gone through the process can also be helpful, with 24% of respondents seeking guidance from family and friends.
Looking at similar projects together before you settle on a scheme – to see what doesn’t work for you as well as what does – can ensure you both have the same vision in mind. Search for photos online; 42% of our survey respondents, for instance, found photos and ideas on Houzz useful for resolving challenges.
Asking for advice from others who’ve gone through the process can also be helpful, with 24% of respondents seeking guidance from family and friends.
4. Make communicating a priority throughout
Even once your project is underway, keep checking in with each other. In our survey, 31% said ‘better communication with my significant other’ would have made the process easier, while 63% said compromising helped to resolve challenges
In fact, by far the majority (62%) ended up going with some combination of both styles, so working out how to marry your preferences at an early stage would help to smooth the process.
Even once your project is underway, keep checking in with each other. In our survey, 31% said ‘better communication with my significant other’ would have made the process easier, while 63% said compromising helped to resolve challenges
In fact, by far the majority (62%) ended up going with some combination of both styles, so working out how to marry your preferences at an early stage would help to smooth the process.
5. See the bigger picture
Somewhere around the midpoint of a project, when the initial excitement has worn off and you’re washing dishes in the bath, it’s easy to get despondent and start bickering, so take the time to remind each other of the goal. Pin up photos of the look you’re aiming for and celebrate little wins together. Focusing on the finish line will help you glide through the grittier stages.
And take heart from the fact the process can be bonding. Of our respondents, 41% thought, “If we make it through this, we can make it through anything,” while more than half (51%) reckoned, “We make a great team.”
Somewhere around the midpoint of a project, when the initial excitement has worn off and you’re washing dishes in the bath, it’s easy to get despondent and start bickering, so take the time to remind each other of the goal. Pin up photos of the look you’re aiming for and celebrate little wins together. Focusing on the finish line will help you glide through the grittier stages.
And take heart from the fact the process can be bonding. Of our respondents, 41% thought, “If we make it through this, we can make it through anything,” while more than half (51%) reckoned, “We make a great team.”
The Houzz 2022 Renovations & Relationships survey involved more than 1,252 members of the Houzz UK community who had completed a renovation project within the past five years. Fielded February 2022.
Tell us…
Have you undertaken a renovation with a significant other? Share your experiences and tips in the Comments.
Tell us…
Have you undertaken a renovation with a significant other? Share your experiences and tips in the Comments.
Related Stories
Decorating
Where Do I Start When Renovating or Redecorating My Home?
By Eva Byrne
Keen to get going on a project but not sure where to begin? Read this practical guide to getting started
Full Story
Gardens
How Do I Create a Drought-tolerant Garden?
By Kate Burt
As summers heat up, plants that need less water are increasingly desirable. Luckily, there are lots of beautiful options
Full Story
Architecture
21 Ways Designers Are Incorporating Arches Into Homes
By Kate Burt
Everywhere we look on Houzz right now, a cheeky arch pops up. How would you add this timeless architectural feature?
Full Story
Lifestyle
How to Improve the Air Quality in Your Home
Want to ensure your home environment is clean and healthy? Start by assessing the quality of your air
Full Story
Gardens
Can I Have a Lawn-free Garden That’s Kind to the Environment?
Try these tips to help you plan a garden without grass that’s still leafy and eco-friendly
Full Story
Sustainability
How Can I Incorporate Biodiversity Into My Building Project?
By Kate Burt
If you’re renovating, you have a brilliant opportunity to plan in nature-friendly touches at the outset
Full Story
Lofts
How Do I Begin a Loft Conversion?
Wondering where to start when converting your loft? Ask yourself these questions to ensure you plan well
Full Story
Living Rooms
Where Designers Would Spend and Save in a Living Room
By Cheryl F
It’s your main relaxation space, so what should you splurge or scrimp on in the living room?
Full Story
Architecture
Japan’s Riken Yamamoto Wins the 2024 Pritzker Architecture Prize
The architect is known for creating indoor-outdoor homes and buildings that foster a strong sense of community
Full Story
Working with Pros
How to Choose an Electrician
By Cheryl F
From what to ask to getting the best result possible, here’s what to know when you’re hiring an electrician
Full Story
We had a very difficult architect that we could not rely on (she would disappear during important decisions). It meant that me and my partner had to make a lot of stressful decisions on our own, but it worked. We had a common enemy with the architect ὠ2
It really did help to have photo examples from websites like Houzz, I would sometimes struggle to share with my partner my vision and with photos it was much easier. Thanks Houzz!
I thought this was a well crafted piece of writing, Sarah Alcroft. The statistics within the 1-5 topics helped me to understand what I need to be aware of in the future.
Maybe Houzz could consider another survey- how many times has a reno lead to couples therapy. It would be interesting?
Houzz has saved me so many times when I didn't have the words to explain or no one around me understood what I was trying to convey.