Can You Stay in a House During Renovation?
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Chadi
Renovating a home is exciting, but it also raises a big question—can you actually live in your house while the work is being done? Many people want to stay put to save money or monitor progress, but depending on the type of renovation, that may not always be the best idea.
The answer really depends on a few key things. How big is the renovation? Are you just updating a bathroom, or is half your house being torn apart? Will it be safe to stay, or will you be dealing with dust, fumes, and exposed wiring? And, of course, how much inconvenience are you willing to put up with? Noisy power tools at 7 AM, a missing kitchen, or no running water for days—these things can quickly turn your home life upside down.
In this blog, we’ll go over the pros and cons of staying during a renovation, plus some practical tips if you decide to tough it out. By the end, you’ll have a much clearer idea of whether staying put or temporarily moving out is the right call for you. Let’s get into it!
Factors to Consider Before Staying in Your Home During Renovation
Deciding whether to stay in your home during a renovation isn’t just about convenience—it’s about safety, comfort, and practicality. Before making a decision, consider these key factors:
Scope and Duration of the Renovation
The size and complexity of your renovation play a huge role in whether staying is realistic. If it’s just a minor project—like painting a room, installing new flooring, or updating a bathroom—you can probably manage with a few small adjustments.
However, major renovations, such as a full kitchen remodel, structural changes, or entire home rewiring, can make staying difficult. If walls are being knocked down, plumbing is being replaced, or there’s no electricity in certain areas, daily life becomes challenging. Also, consider the timeline. A one-week disruption is manageable, but a months-long renovation might wear you down quickly.
Safety Concerns
Your safety should always come first. Some renovations involve hazardous materials like asbestos, lead paint, or excessive dust, which can be harmful if inhaled. Structural changes, exposed wiring, and loose nails also create risks. If you have young kids or pets, the dangers increase—sharp tools, open trenches, and toxic fumes aren’t things you want around them.
Always talk to your contractor about potential hazards before deciding to stay. If a project involves demolition, extensive sanding, or strong chemicals, it might be safer to relocate temporarily.
Access to Essential Spaces
Think about how the renovation will impact your daily routine. Will your kitchen be unusable for weeks? Is your only bathroom being remodelled? Losing access to these essential spaces can make staying at home impractical.
If your kitchen is out of commission, you’ll need a temporary setup—perhaps a microwave and mini-fridge in another room. If your bathroom is unavailable, you might have to shower at a gym or a friend’s house. And if your bedroom is being renovated, sleeping in the living room for weeks can get uncomfortable fast.
Noise, Dust, and Disruptions
Renovations aren’t quiet or clean. Power tools, hammering, and drilling start early in the morning and can last all day. Dust spreads everywhere, even with protective barriers in place. If you work from home, have small children who need naps, or prefer a peaceful environment, staying in the house can be a struggle.
Pets can also be affected. Loud noises and unfamiliar people in the home can cause them stress, and construction zones aren’t safe for them to wander around in.
If you can handle the noise, dust, and interruptions, staying might be doable. But if it becomes overwhelming, having a backup plan—like staying with family or booking short-term accommodation—can be a lifesaver.
Pros of Staying in Your Home During Renovation
If your renovation project allows for it, staying in your home can have several advantages. Here are some key benefits to consider:
Cost Savings
One of the biggest reasons homeowners choose to stay is to avoid the extra cost of temporary accommodation. Hotel stays, Airbnb rentals or even short-term leases can quickly add up, stretching your renovation budget. By staying put, you save money that can be used for upgrades, better materials, or unexpected costs that pop up during construction.
On-Site Supervision
Being present while work is happening allows you to monitor progress and make quick decisions when needed. Sometimes, unexpected issues arise—maybe the tiles you chose look different in natural light, or a plumbing reroute requires an alternative plan. When you’re on-site, you can address these changes immediately, avoiding delays. Plus, having direct communication with your contractor ensures that the renovation aligns with your vision.
No Need to Move Belongings
Packing up an entire house for a temporary move is a huge hassle. If you stay, you can avoid the stress of boxing everything up, finding storage, and then moving back in once the project is done. While some rearranging might be necessary to keep things protected from dust and debris, it’s still far easier than a full-scale move.
While staying home has its benefits, it also comes with significant challenges. Here are some downsides to consider before making your decision:
Living in a Construction Zone
There’s no way around it—renovations are messy. Dust gets everywhere, even with plastic sheeting and protective barriers. Noise from power tools can start early in the morning and last all day. Certain areas of your home might be completely off-limits, making everyday activities inconvenient. If you value a clean and peaceful environment, living in a construction zone might not be worth the stress.
Potential Delays
Believe it or not, staying in your home can sometimes slow down the renovation process. Contractors may need to work around your schedule, limiting their hours or changing their workflow to accommodate your presence. Some tasks—like refinishing floors or painting—require time to dry, and if you’re living there, they might take longer to complete.
Health Risks
Renovations can expose you to dust, fumes, and even hazardous materials like asbestos or lead paint. If you or your family members have allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues, staying in a home filled with airborne particles isn’t ideal. Even with proper ventilation, construction zones aren’t the healthiest living environments.
Limited Privacy and Routine Disruptions
When workers come in and out of your home daily, privacy becomes a challenge. You may find yourself adjusting your schedule around theirs—waking up earlier, avoiding certain rooms, or stepping out when noisy work is happening. If you work from home, the constant interruptions can make it difficult to focus.
While staying in your home during a renovation can save money and allow you to monitor progress, it also comes with some major drawbacks. Here’s what you need to consider before making your decision:
Living in a Construction Zone
No matter how well you prepare, living in a home under renovation means dealing with constant noise, dust, and disruptions. Power tools, hammering, and drilling can start early in the morning and go on for hours, making it difficult to relax or focus. Dust from sanding and demolition can spread throughout your home, even with protective barriers in place. Depending on the project, you may also lose access to essential areas like the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry, forcing you to find creative workarounds.
Potential Delays
Staying in your home would speed things up, but in many cases, it can actually slow things down. Contractors may need to work around your schedule, pausing certain tasks to keep noise levels manageable or ensuring critical areas are usable when you need them. Some jobs, like refinishing floors or painting, require time to dry and cure properly, which can be tricky when people are walking through the house. If workers have to adjust their plans to accommodate you constantly, the project could take longer than expected.
Health Risks
Renovation work can expose you to dust, fumes, and other hazardous materials. Suppose your home was built before the 1980s. In that case, lead paint or asbestos could be present, making demolition work even riskier. Even if those aren’t concerns, airborne dust from drywall, wood, or insulation can cause allergies, asthma flare-ups, or other respiratory issues. Strong odours from paint, adhesives, and sealants can also be overwhelming. Families with young children, elderly members, or individuals with existing health conditions should be especially cautious about staying in a home under construction.
Limited Privacy and Routine Disruptions
Having a team of workers in your home every day means saying goodbye to privacy. Contractors and tradespeople will be moving through different rooms, sometimes needing access to spaces you usually keep private. If you work from home, loud noises and frequent interruptions can make it difficult to concentrate or take calls. Even your daily routines—like showering, cooking, or relaxing—may need to be adjusted to fit around construction work.
If you’re staying in your home while it’s being renovated, things will get messy—but with the right approach, you can keep your space livable. Here’s how to make the process smoother and more comfortable.
Create a Temporary Living Space
To maintain some normalcy, set up a designated clean and quiet area where you can escape the chaos. If your bedroom is being renovated, move into a spare room or set up a cosy corner elsewhere. If your kitchen is under renovation, a makeshift kitchenette with a microwave, kettle, toaster, and mini fridge can help you prepare simple meals. If your bathroom is being remodelled, consider setting up a temporary bathroom elsewhere in the house or using a nearby gym or family member’s home for showers. The goal is to create a functional space where you can carry on with daily life without too much disruption.
Set Clear Boundaries with Contractors
Renovations can be disruptive, but setting expectations with your contractors can help keep things manageable. Establish clear work hours so you know when to expect noise and activity. If you work from home or have young children, discuss noise management strategies—such as scheduling loud tasks during times when you’re out of the house. Also, let workers know which areas are off-limits to protect your privacy and keep certain spaces clean.
Improve Ventilation and Dust Control
Dust and debris are unavoidable in a renovation, but you can take steps to keep them contained. Use plastic sheeting to seal off work zones, preventing dust from spreading to other parts of the house. Cover vents to stop particles from circulating through your HVAC system, and invest in air purifiers to improve air quality. If strong fumes from paint or adhesives are involved, open windows and use fans to keep fresh air flowing.
Plan for Alternative Arrangements
Some phases of the renovation—such as major demolition, floor refinishing, or structural work—can make staying in your home nearly impossible. If you know certain tasks will make living conditions unbearable, plan to stay with family or friends for a few days or book a short-term rental. Even if you’re committed to staying home, having a backup plan will give you peace of mind in case the situation becomes too challenging.
Keep Kids and Pets Safe
Renovation sites can be hazardous, especially for children and pets. Set up safe zones where they can stay away from tools, debris, and chemicals. If possible, use baby gates or temporary barriers to block off work areas. Let contractors know if you have pets so they can be mindful of keeping doors closed. For pets sensitive to loud noises, consider keeping them in a quiet area or arranging for them to stay with a friend during particularly noisy work.
While staying in your home during a renovation can save money and keep you close to the project, there are times when moving out is the safer and more practical choice. Here are some situations where temporary relocation might be the best option:
Major Structural Work
If your renovation involves foundation repairs, wall demolitions, or roof replacements, staying home might not be feasible. These projects can make your house unstable or even unlivable for a period. Loud noise, heavy vibrations, and exposed structural elements can also pose serious safety risks.
Extensive Plumbing and Electrical Overhauls
A full plumbing or electrical upgrade means you could be without running water, working toilets, or electricity for days or even weeks. Suppose your kitchen and bathroom are both out of commission at the same time. In that case, daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, and bathing become incredibly difficult. In such cases, a short-term rental or staying with family might be a more comfortable option.
Severe Health Risks
Some renovations expose harmful substances like mould, asbestos, or lead paint. If these materials need to be removed, the dust and fumes can pose serious health risks, especially for children, older people, and those with respiratory conditions. Even strong-smelling adhesives, paints, or finishes can make it uncomfortable to stay in the home. If air quality is a concern, it’s best to move out temporarily.
Unbearable Living Conditions
Suppose the renovation leaves you without heat in the winter, cooling in the summer, or enough functional space to live comfortably. In that case, it may be time to find temporary housing. Living in constant dust, noise, and clutter can take a toll on your mental and physical well-being. If staying feels more like surviving, relocating—even for a short time—can make a big difference in reducing stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your policy. Some insurance plans cover accidental damage, while others may require additional coverage. Check with your provider before starting.
Possibly! Some contractors may reduce costs by not having to cover security measures or daily site clean-up. It’s worth discussing.
Set up a temporary kitchenette with a microwave, kettle, and mini fridge. Consider meal prepping, using disposable plates, or dining out occasionally.
Keep living spaces sealed off from work areas, use air purifiers, and schedule deep cleaning once the renovation is complete to remove dust and allergens.
Cover furniture with plastic sheets or move it to a dust-free area. Sealing off vents in the work zone can also help reduce dust circulation.
Conclusion
Staying in your home during a renovation is possible, but it’s not always the easiest option. Before making a decision, consider the size of your project, safety risks, and how much disruption you can handle. If you choose to stay, set up a temporary living space, communicate clearly with your contractor, and take steps to control dust and noise. But suppose the renovation involves major structural work, no access to essentials, or serious health risks. In that case, moving out temporarily might be the smarter choice.
Comfort and safety should come first. Weigh the pros and cons, plan, and choose what works best for you and your family.
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