Renovating a home is an exciting yet challenging endeavour. While the prospect of a newly improved space is thrilling, the reality of living through the renovation process can be daunting. From dust and debris to disrupted routines, the experience can be overwhelming.
However, with careful planning and smart strategies, you can successfully live in your house during a renovation without losing your sanity. This guide will explore practical tips and housing alternatives to help you navigate the renovation journey.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Living through a home renovation can be challenging, but with careful planning and strategic decisions, staying in your house without losing your sanity is possible. Key considerations include deciding whether to stay or temporarily relocate based on the renovation’s scope, budget, and tolerance for disruption.
If you stay, create a clean, comfortable living space, manage dust, and maintain open communication with contractors. Additional precautions are necessary for families with children or pets to ensure their safety and comfort. To handle the emotional toll, set realistic expectations, take breaks, and celebrate progress.
Should You Stay Or Go During Renovation?
Before diving into the renovation process, one of the most critical decisions you’ll need to make is whether to stay in your home or temporarily relocate. This decision depends on several factors, including the scope of the renovation, budget, and personal tolerance for disruption.
Scope Of The Renovation
The extent of the renovation will determine whether staying put is feasible. Moving out temporarily might be more practical if the work involves major structural changes, such as removing walls, replacing the roof, or extensive plumbing and electrical work. Kitchens and bathrooms are particularly challenging to live without, so if these areas are completely gutted, finding alternative accommodation is often the best option.
Budget Considerations
While renting a temporary home during renovations can increase costs, staying in a construction zone can also have hidden expenses.
Contractors may charge more for working around occupants due to the added inconvenience and time needed to ensure the home remains somewhat livable.
Weighing the cost of renting against the potential extra charges from your contractor can help you make a more informed decision.
Personal Tolerance For Disruption
Living through a renovation is only for some. It requires patience, flexibility, and a high tolerance for noise, dust, and daily disruptions. If you have young children or pets or prefer a calm, orderly environment, you might find it too stressful to stay in the house during major work. In such cases, seeking temporary housing could save your sanity.
How Can You Comfortably Live In Your House During A Renovation?
If you choose to stay in your home during the renovation, careful planning can help you maintain normalcy and reduce stress.
1. Create A Living Space
Designate a specific area of your home as a renovation-free zone where you can retreat to escape the chaos. This space should be kept clean, organised, and comfortable. It could be a bedroom, a basement, or even a corner of the living room. Keeping this area tidy and stocked with essentials will give you a peaceful sanctuary during the renovation.
2. Plan For Kitchen And Bathroom Use
Renovating a kitchen or bathroom can be particularly disruptive. To manage the disruption, consider setting up a temporary kitchen in another part of the house, such as a garage or covered patio. A microwave, hot plate, and mini-fridge can help you prepare simple meals without relying on takeout.
For bathrooms, if you have more than one, stagger the renovation work so that at least one bathroom remains functional. If that’s not possible, consider alternative options like a gym membership to access showers.
3. Manage Dust And Debris
Dust is inevitable in any renovation, but you can take steps to minimise its impact. Use plastic sheeting or tarps to seal off the renovation area from the rest of the house, and consider investing in a good air purifier to keep the air clean. Regularly cleaning surfaces and floors will also help keep the dust under control.
4. Protect Your Belongings
Before the renovation begins, pack away optional daily items. Store them in a safe, dust-free location to prevent damage. This not only protects your belongings but also clears space for the contractors to work more efficiently. Label boxes clearly so you can easily access items if needed.
5. Communicate With Your Contractors
Clear and open communication with your contractors is key to a smooth renovation process. Establish a daily or weekly check-in routine to discuss progress, address concerns, and adjust plans. Having a shared calendar that outlines the renovation timeline can help everyone stay on the same page and anticipate upcoming disruptions.
6. Stick To Your Routine
Maintaining a sense of normalcy is crucial during a renovation. Please stick to your daily routines as much as possible, whether it’s your morning exercise, meal times, or bedtime rituals. This consistency helps reduce stress and keeps you grounded, even when your surroundings are in disarray.
How Do You Manage Living With Family And Pets During Renovation?
Living in a renovation zone can be particularly challenging for families with young children or pets. Here are some additional tips to keep everyone safe and comfortable.
Children
Children are naturally curious and may find the construction work fascinating, but keeping them safe is important. Establish clear boundaries about which areas are off-limits and explain the dangers of the renovation site.
Consider arranging playdates, enrolling them in extracurricular activities, or spending time at a local park to keep them occupied and out of harm’s way.
Pets
The noise and commotion of a renovation can easily stress pets. Create a quiet, secure space for them away from the work area. Ask a friend or family member to care for your pets during the most disruptive phases of the renovation. Ensure that contractors are aware of pets in the house and that measures are taken to prevent them from escaping.
What Strategies Can Help You Handle The Emotional Challenges Of Renovating?
Living through a renovation can take an emotional toll, leading to stress, frustration, and even conflicts within the household. Here are some strategies to help you cope:
Set Realistic Expectations
Renovations rarely go exactly as planned. Unexpected delays, budget overruns, and design changes are all part of the process. Setting realistic expectations and being prepared for setbacks will help you stay calm when things are unexpected.
Take Breaks
Feel free to step away from the renovation chaos occasionally. Spend a weekend away, visit friends, or enjoy a day out to recharge. Taking breaks from the construction zone can provide much-needed relief and give you a fresh perspective when you return.
Celebrate Progress
Focus on the progress being made rather than the inconveniences. Celebrate small milestones, such as the completion of a room or the installation of new fixtures. These celebrations can boost morale and remind you why you started the renovation in the first place.
Conclusion
Living in your house during a renovation is challenging, but with careful planning, communication, and a positive mindset, you can survive—and even thrive—through the process.
Whether you stay or temporarily relocate, the key is to remain flexible and keep your eye on the prize: a beautifully renovated home that meets your needs and reflects your style.
By following these tips, you can navigate the renovation journey with less stress and more confidence, ultimately creating a space you’ll love for years.
FAQs About Home Renovation
Is It Best To Renovate Inside Or Outside First?
First, finish the work on the building’s foundation and exterior. Naturally, you want to move on to the next phase of your project, but before you start working on the interior, make sure the house is structurally sound. That entails installing new windows and, if necessary, putting on a brand-new roof.
Should I Move Out During Remodeling?
Relocating during a renovation improves the homeowner’s experience and provides their contractor with the space they require to carry out the work effectively and risk-free.
Can Remodeling Make You Sick?
When it comes to home improvement, adults are just as likely to be poisoned as children. However, most poison prevention stories focus on children. If the home renovations are not carried out carefully, it is possible for everyone in the household, including children, adults, and animals, to become ill.
Is Renovation Dust Harmful?
Pregnant women and young children should avoid dust and fumes from renovations at all costs. There is a good chance that lead was used in the interior and exterior paint of older homes built before 1978. Lead poisoning and exposure can have devastating effects on children’s growth and development.
What Happens If You Breathe In Construction Dust?
Crystalline silica can be found in various rock, concrete, and masonry materials. Inhaling these materials after they have been reduced to fine dust and dispersed throughout the air can damage the lungs because of the fine particles. Silicosis is a potentially fatal disease that can render patients completely unable to function.
