May 1, 2025
Home renovations, whether they involve minor refurbishments or full-scale extensions, are exciting opportunities to upgrade and personalise your living space. However, they also come with a set of logistical and emotional challenges—chief among them being the decision of whether to remain in your home during the renovation or to temporarily move out.
This decision can significantly impact the overall renovation experience, from budgeting and timelines to personal comfort and safety. Each option has distinct advantages and drawbacks that depend on the scale of the renovation, the household's lifestyle, the presence of children or pets, and individual tolerance for noise and disruption.
In this article, we’ll delve into the pros and cons of living at home during a renovation. By understanding the practical implications and emotional demands of each choice, you can make a well-informed decision that supports the success of your project and the wellbeing of your household.
One of the most compelling reasons homeowners choose to stay put during renovations is the potential to save money. Renting temporary accommodation can be expensive, especially over several weeks or months. By staying in your home, you eliminate the need for additional rent, deposits, and utilities at a second location.
Being on-site allows you to monitor progress closely and address issues as they arise. You can speak directly with builders, oversee the use of materials, and ensure that the project stays aligned with your expectations. For those who like to be hands-on or make decisions in real-time, living at home can be advantageous.
There’s comfort in familiarity. Daily routines—such as school drop-offs, work commutes, and even dog walking—can remain unchanged. Access to personal items, your kitchen, and bathrooms (if they remain functional) may also offer a level of convenience not available in short-term rentals or hotels.
When questions or complications arise, being physically present enables immediate decision-making. This can prevent delays caused by waiting for site visits or arranging remote meetings with your contractor. Quick decisions can keep the project moving on schedule.
Even small renovations can be disruptive, with noise, dust, and restricted access to parts of your home. Larger projects may affect your ability to cook, bathe, or even sleep peacefully. Living in a construction zone can be physically and mentally exhausting, particularly over long durations.
Construction zones can be hazardous. Exposed wiring, tools, open walls or floors, and heavy equipment pose risks, especially to children and pets. Safety protocols must be strictly followed, and even then, the environment may not be suitable for all family members.
Your home will likely be filled with tradespeople during working hours, which can make privacy a luxury. The presence of contractors, noise from machinery, and temporary partitions can make personal space feel non-existent, affecting your comfort and peace of mind.
During a renovation, certain rooms may be off-limits or unusable—kitchens, bathrooms, or bedrooms among them. Temporary setups might help, but they often fall short of offering the functionality you’re used to. For example, a makeshift kitchen in your living room rarely compares to a fully functional cooking space.
While being present might accelerate decision-making, living in the house can also slow the builders down. Contractors may need to work around your schedule, clean up more extensively at the end of each day, or adjust work hours to reduce inconvenience to the occupants. These adjustments can prolong the timeline of the renovation.
Living through a renovation can take a toll on your mental wellbeing. The constant noise, mess, and lack of space can increase stress and strain relationships. What begins as a manageable inconvenience can quickly become a source of daily frustration.
Start by assessing the scale and scope of the renovation. If essential rooms like the kitchen or all bathrooms will be out of use, moving out may be the more practical option. Consider factors like your budget, family size, health concerns, and flexibility in routines. Consult with your contractor for an honest timeline and expectations before making a decision.
Yes, many homeowners live in unaffected sections of the home during renovations. However, this depends on the layout of the property and the nature of the work. It’s important to establish clear barriers between the construction area and the living space to minimise dust, noise, and safety risks.
In most cases, yes—staying home avoids the cost of renting temporary accommodation. However, there could be hidden expenses such as takeaways if the kitchen is inaccessible, or extra cleaning and safety equipment. In some situations, the slower pace of work may also increase labour costs.
Safety starts with communication. Work closely with your contractor to define safe zones, schedule work hours, and install protective barriers. Keep children and pets away from construction areas, and make sure smoke detectors and fire exits remain accessible. Personal protective gear like dust masks can also be useful.
It can. Contractors often have to accommodate your daily routine, which might involve cleaning up more thoroughly each day or adjusting working hours. If large areas of the home are in use by the family, this can restrict access and slow the pace of construction.
Maintain realistic expectations about noise, mess, and inconvenience. Set up a clean, quiet retreat space away from the work zone. Stay organised and communicate regularly with your contractor. Planning meals, keeping a routine, and taking occasional breaks from the house can all help reduce stress.
Choosing whether to live at home during a renovation is a deeply personal decision that hinges on several factors—including budget, project scale, household makeup, and your tolerance for disruption. While staying put can save money and allow for closer involvement, it may also bring challenges that affect your comfort, safety, and mental wellbeing.
For small to medium renovations that leave core parts of your home intact, remaining on-site may be a practical choice. However, for extensive projects involving major structural work or significant interruptions to everyday life, moving out can offer a more manageable and less stressful experience.
Ultimately, the key is to plan thoroughly, communicate openly with your contractor, and prioritise the health and happiness of everyone in your household. Renovations are temporary—but the way you navigate them can make a lasting difference in your renovation experience and the final result.
If you’re planning a renovation, extension, or full home transformation, visit our website Milkov & Son Construction to explore our expert services and recent projects. Take the first step toward creating your dream space by contacting us online or calling +44 7951 625853.
