Can You Live In Your Home During a Renovation?

Ah, renovations – the mere thought of updating our living space can make us want to jump for joy or send shivers down our spine. Regardless of where you stand on the matter, as the construction and its respective planning draw near, you may wonder whether you can continue to live in your home during the renovation process. The answer, dear readers, is both yes and no. Let’s dive deeper into it!

A Matter of Vision

Firstly, the short version: it depends on the scale of the renovation. If you're planning a minor renovation, such as updating a bathroom or changing the kitchen countertops, you can definitely live in your home during the construction. In fact, it might be fun to watch the makeover take place before your very eyes!

But if you're planning a major renovation, like tearing down walls or adding an extension to your home, living in your home during the construction might be a little more, let’s say, “challenging.” You'll likely have construction workers traipsing and trudging in and out of your home all day long, and your living space might be reduced to just a few rooms. Or even one, honestly.

Lest we forget to mention the noise and dust that come with any construction project. And if the project involves knocking down walls, rewiring, or major plumbing work, it’s worth noting that it may not be safe or practical to remain in the house. In some cases, that may as well be a huge understatement!

Plan Ahead & Make Space

Make sure you have a clear timeline for the renovation and discuss it with your contractor. We’ve gone over it before many times in our articles, but it bears repeating – communication is key! This will help you anticipate when the messiest parts of the renovation will take place and plan accordingly. It's also a good idea to have a contingency plan in case things don't go as planned.

If possible, set up a temporary living space in another part of your household. This could be a spare bedroom or even a tent in the backyard!.... What? It could be fun! Digressions aside, make sure you have access to all the necessities, such as a bathroom and kitchen, so you can continue to live comfortably – or semi-comfortably, at the very least.

Be Flexible & Communicate

Living in what’s effectively a construction zone is not for the faint of heart, so it's important to be flexible and adaptable. Your home might be a little chaotic for a while, but remember that it's all worth it in the end! So (try to) embrace the chaos and make the best of the situation.

Moreover, It's essential to have good communication with your contractor throughout the renovation process. If you have concerns or questions, don't be afraid to speak up! Your contractor wants to make sure you're happy with the end result, so they'll (in turn) be happy to address any concerns you might have. Naturally, those concerns include the possibility of a little ‘chaos’ here and there.

Be Sure to Take Breaks

Living in a construction zone can be stressful, so it's important to take breaks and get away from the chaos for a little while. Go for a walk, meet up with friends, or just take a nap in a quiet(er) room. It's all about finding a balance that works for you.

Oh, and that space we mentioned at the beginning? Make it cozy and inviting, with comfortable seating and soft lighting, and stock it with your favorite books, magazines, or puzzles (if you’re feeling adventurous). This way, you'll have a place to retreat to when you need a little peace and quiet.

In conclusion, whether or not you can live in your home during a renovation build depends on the scale of the renovation. If it's a minor renovation, go for it! But if it's a major renovation, it might be a little more challenging. But with some planning and flexibility, you can definitely make it work. And who knows, you might even enjoy watching your home transform before your very eyes!