Couples have different reasons to legally split with their spouse. Others have commitment issues while some have financial issues they can’t settle. There are those whose marriage was crushed because of domestic violence or even substance abuse. But did you know that the emotional stress that comes with renovating can be enough for some couples to consider and pursue divorce?

According to Houzz.com, remodeling can put a strain on marriages. While 84% of respondents claim they experienced a good ending after the remodel, 12% considered divorce in the middle of the project. Many say that differences in style preference are the major source of stress, followed by an unwillingness to compromise and money matters.

So, if you plan on making major home improvements this year, it is important not to let the stress associated with improving your home to shake your marriage. You don’t want to end up with a beautiful house only to lose the love of your life. But the question is, what can you do to avoid this?

Consider the pros and cons and be ready to compromise

One way to avoid conflicts is to weigh in your options with your spouse before choosing. Let’s say you wish to prioritize certain projects while your spouse has other plans in mind. You can consider taking time for both of you to write down all the perks and drawbacks of your preferred projects. This way, you will have a better understanding of each other’s reasons and learn where you can both compromise.

For example, you wish to invest in Dex-O-Tex flooring solutions because of their long life cycle, durability, eco-friendly, and low maintenance features. Your spouse has other plans and wants different flooring for your home. After some discussion, you can suggest to decide about the flooring materials for the deck while your spouse gets to choose the new floors for the kitchen. Knowing the reason why your spouse wants other things and learning to compensate is a good way to get what you both want and reduce an even bigger conflict.

Call a third party for a professional and unbiased opinion

Some homeowners know they want to renovate and improve their homes. But when it comes to the design planning stage, many are confused as to what they want. Add the fact that your preferences are a different universe on what your spouse would like to achieve. One way to resolve this is to look for a third party that can help.

Sometimes, couples need someone to mediate before they can come up to an agreement. Although marital mediation can be a lifesaver for your marriage, you will need another kind of mediator when it comes to improving your home. In this case, you can benefit from the services of an interior designer.

Yes, an interior designer is worth it as you are paying for their professional services. They can listen to your home improvement woes and come up with a design that incorporates what you and your spouse both want. According to an article recently published in Forbes, such professionals can help you save money. They can even help you boost your home value, making every penny you pay your interior designer worth it.

It may come as a surprise that home improvement woes can cause a marriage to tumble. Improving your home involves money, lots of decision making, and more. The good news is, there are ways you can stop your renovation plans from killing your marriage. You can always use this list if you ever encounter such an issue in the future.