Remodeling Shouldn't Strain Relationships

by Gabby Hyman
Face Your Kitchen Columnist

There is nothing quite so effective in revealing hairline cracks in a marriage than when spouses descend into an extended kitchen remodeling project. Even under the best-laid blueprints, sound budgeting, and professional contracting, you temporarily disturb the well-grooved habits of navigating about your home. Perhaps you'll even lose complete use of the kitchen (arguably the most important room of all). In the dark of night, the smallest tiff can escalate. Don't tear up kitchen remodeling plans to draft your divorce papers. One insurance policy against fatal marital despair lies in planning ahead for unplanned frustrations. How so? If you're hiring a kitchen contractor to handle the remodeling, you might consider a much-needed vacation to Hawaii or another soothing locale for the time the bulk of the work is scheduled. Have a trusted relative or neighbor drop by while you're gone just to keep a presence--someone who is not emotionally involved in your house.

Can't possibly get away? Think of retiring to a pleasant, affordable hotel in your neighborhood where you can keep up with your busy work, school, and social schedules without living in the dust, chaos, and symphony of power tools associated with kitchen remodeling. Staying with friends or family often wears thin.

Kitchen Remodeling and Uncommon Sense

Don't take yourself so seriously. This is but a case of temporary insanity. Consider the medical advice most often dispensed to people under trying circumstances: eat right, get plenty of fresh air and exercise, and treat yourself to non-destructive pleasure (movies, dinner shows, nature walks, social parties, church groups).

What's the worst that can possibly happen? As my contractor friend Jacques says, if there's a divorce, the person who gets the house will have a very nice kitchen. There you have it.

About the Author
Gabby Hyman has written for print and online media for more than 20 years. He has created online content for eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Avaya, and Nissan UK. He has also been a web consultant to the Governor of California. As an author of fiction, journalism, and poetry, Gabby is a former English professor for the University of Illinois, University of Alaska, and Old Dominion University. He holds an MFA in fiction writing from the University of Alabama.