Home Renovations: Can it Push Couples to Divorce in NJ?
You wouldn’t think that something as simple as renovating your house would end your marriage. However, conflict over colors, furnishings, and design styles can lead you to question your marital choices. Most renovations take place in kitchens and bathrooms, and couples with different tastes and styles can find themselves on the brink of disaster before the project is completed. A lack of honest communication and teamwork is a recipe for trouble. Making decisions without your partner’s input can cause conflict. Several recent studies have concluded that two-thirds of couples who renovated their homes regretted doing the project, and almost 20% separated during or shortly after the renovations were done.
Divorce after such a significant investment can cause additional emotional stress and serious financial problems. Additional debt is considered shared and could lead to financial ruin when compounded with alimony and child support. Disputes over shared property and assets can lengthen an already cumbersome divorce. Sometimes, the only remedy is to sell the property and split the assets according to the equitable distribution model. It is indeed a sad and unwelcome turn of events after investing so much time and effort into renovating a home. This prodigious change in your life requires consistent support and legal acumen from an experienced divorce attorney. That’s where our team comes in. Contact us anytime at (732) 812-3102 for help preserving your interests in a divorce post-home renovations in New Jersey.
The Battleground of Home Improvement and Common Areas of Disagreement
Burgeoning Budgets
Owning real estate is an investment made popular by the increased need for housing for New Jersey residents. Whether the home is old and needs major repairs or the kitchen is dated, renovations to update an old look can add to property value. Unfortunately, many older homes may require extensive renovations due to mold, foundation issues, or electrical problems. Many times, once the demolition part of the project has begun, additional issues arise, such as insect infestations, rotting or splitting support beams, or drainage issues. These are costly to repair and may require a couple to adjust the scope of the renovations. What is a major priority to one may not be to the other, and arguments can ensue.
The financial strain of renovations can challenge the strongest of unions. When a builder gives an estimate for a job, it is rarely entirely accurate. The cost can fluctuate considering the materials you have chosen (marble countertops are more expensive than tile) and the length of the project. The longer it takes to finish, the higher the labor costs will be. As costs escalate, it can lead to more debt and arguments about the budget. Compromises may need to be made to finish the project without hemorrhaging money, and resentment can build when neither spouse is willing to give in.
Aesthetic Differences
Differences in style and taste can be a major obstacle for couples who endeavor to make major changes to their homes. Maybe one spouse wants hardwood floors and French doors leading to a balcony, while the other wants tile and a more modern look. From curtain fabric to the kitchen sink, each spouse has their vision of the ideal space and when their visions are diametrically opposed, it can cause conflict. Perhaps the couple realizes they are incompatible.
Problems Communicating
Home renovation decision-making, financial issues, disagreements over priorities, and so many aspects of the process can cause trouble for a marriage, especially if communicating effectively is already challenging for a couple. Often these squabbles are an indication that the relationship is in peril. For some, talking past one another or not talking at all takes the relationship to the edge. Maybe their lack of communication skills makes conflict resolution impossible.
A Home Turned Upside Down
Living in a home that is being renovated will drive anyone to distraction. The dust, noise, and inconvenience can make living there unbearable. Being unable to cook, relax, or shower as usual can cause more stress and further dissatisfaction. Irritability and fatigue can lend themselves to a lack of patience and an argument over something minor.
Putting Off the Inevitable
Sometimes, renovation projects are used as a delaying tactic in divorce proceedings. One spouse may be dragging their feet in anticipation of having a higher property value after the renovations to get a better sale price.
Blueprint for Renovating Your House and Strengthening Your Marriage
Married couples need to understand the importance of proactive planning, open communication, and professional guidance to ensure a successful home renovation. Some proactive measures for maintaining a relationship during a home renovation are outlined below.
1. Clear Communication
Clear communication is probably the most vital component when renovating a home. Discussing expectations and making a realistic budget that is mutually accepted can detour arguments. A willingness to compromise and insist on making all decisions together are also valuable. No matter the plan, there will always be decisions that require compromise. Giving and taking in an equitable fashion can make all the difference.
2. Professional Advice
Another component is seeking professional advice. Interview several contractors and seek out references. Talk with an appraiser to estimate your home’s worth before and after the renovations.
3. Realistic Budgeting
Creating a reasonable budget before the work starts can prevent an argument. Your budget should include materials, labor, and a buffer for unexpected issues. Experts suggest keeping an additional 10% to 20% of the project’s overall cost in case of hidden problems. As you go over the budget, you may find that what you consider to be frivolous, your partner may determine, is necessary. You shouldn’t begin the renovations until there is a budget in place that everyone agrees with.
4. Consider Counseling
If you and your spouse could benefit from building your communication skills and would like to delve into your attitudes about money, seeking counseling with a therapist is an excellent option. In fact, many couples choose to continue going to therapy during the renovation process to address critical issues that may arise.
5. Timing is Everything
It is never a good idea to begin home renovations when a divorce is imminent. Divorce is expensive, and putting yourself further in debt with a home improvement project could cause financial ruin. If the renovations take longer than expected or there is doubt regarding the distribution of the assets, your divorce could become more complicated.
Dividing Renovated Property During a Divorce after Home Improvements in New Jersey
Sometimes, no amount of effort can save a marriage and divorce is simply the next step. Regarding asset division during the divorce, the court looks at home improvements in several ways. If the modifications were made through shared funds on a shared property, its value would be distributed according to the plan for equitable distribution. When community funds benefit one spouse’s property, the estimated increase in property value may be divided between the spouses, and, in other cases, the property itself may be considered a marital asset. If one spouse uses their money to benefit their spouse’s property, they may receive a repayment of all or a portion of the costs. Property owned separately before the marriage and paid exclusively by the owning spouse will most likely be considered separate property and will not be included in the distribution of assets.
There are instances when a spouse uses a renovation project to dissipate marital assets, choosing a larger project and the finest, most expensive materials without consulting their partner. The court scrutinizes major expenses conducted shortly before the divorce is filed and may penalize the spouse involved with a smaller share of the assets.
Consult an Attorney at Bronzino Law Firm if Divorce is Imminent after Home Renovation in NJ
When going through a divorce after home remodeling projects, it is imperative to have an experienced lawyer on your side to ensure that you are legally and financially protected. The divorce process is stressful and arduous. You need someone to represent you, protect your rights, and work with you through the entire process from beginning to end. An excellent divorce attorney is an invaluable resource. When you are represented by the Bronzino Law Firm, you aren’t just another number. We pride ourselves on tailoring our services to your unique needs. You are never alone, and we will explain every step of the process as we present your best legal options and work toward securing the optimal results for your life. We assist clients facing divorce in Eatontown, Red Bank, Toms River, Sea Bright, Tinton Falls, Berkeley, Freehold, and other Ocean and Monmouth County towns. Call us at (732) 812-3102 to discuss your situation with a member of our team if you are considering a divorce. You can also reach us online by filling out a short contact form and requesting a free consultation.