Any home renovation can be stressful. Whether you and your partner have been working together to put in new hardwood floors or you’re working on a tile job in the bathroom, it’s not unusual to struggle with tension and even disagreements during any home renovation.
Between financial concerns, taste and style preferences, and trying to balance a renovation against normal life responsibilities, it’s not a big surprise that your relationship might suffer during a big change. If you and your partner are considering taking on a renovation and you want to avert disagreements, read on for ways you might be able to get through your home improvements easier and on the same page.
Defining Your Visions
Before you get too worried about disagreements with your partner during renovations, it’s important to figure out whether you have disagreements at all. Because renovations are hard to visualize, it can be easy to think you have a different dream while actually being very similar when it comes to your wants and needs. Be sure to pull out pen and paper or Google images for something close to what you’re looking for to help your partner see your dream.
If you’re certain you don’t agree, you’ll want to be clear about your deal-breakers and areas where you’re willing to compromise. If you aren’t sure, turn to professionals to help you with big decisions on things like the best flooring for your needs and more. For example, if you live in Texas and can’t decide if tile, carpet, or hardwood is right for you, a Google search for hardwood flooring in Plano, TX could lead you to carpet outlets and other stores where you’ll be able to get some tips and advice.
The Shared Dream
Often, couples who can’t agree on simple things have a bigger issue in their relationship. If you suspect your disagreement isn’t really about the renovation but something else, it could be a good idea to take a break from home improvements and reach out for professional help with your relationship. Something as simple as a relationship retreat through intensivetherapyretreat.com could be a great way to bond and give your partnership the tune-up it deserves. You might be surprised how quickly your issues are resolved when it comes to your renovation after some relationship tweaks.
Making Compromises
Few things help a relationship as much as the ability to compromise. Whether you learn skills for compromising from a therapist or work at it on your own, being open to compromise in areas that are less important to you is a great way to show your partner you’re on their side and willing to be part of a team. Start with defining your priorities and things you’re willing to bend on and ask your partner to do the same.
Remembering why you love your partner and that they’re worth the compromise is a good way to get through tough decisions when you’re in the midst of a home renovation. The reality is that a living space is really only a dwelling. Your relationship deserves to be put ahead of any renovation you and your partner are considering doing. Reminding each other of this along the way may help.
At the end of the day, your relationship is more important than that new media room or fireplace. When things heat up between you and your partner, it’s okay to take breaks from your project, go on a date, and communicate. Your home will be waiting for you when you get back, and with some compromise, you just might find you and your partner actually do have a shared vision: togetherness.