Alt: a woman with protective helmet planning a renovation
Meta: Not sure if you should move out during renovation or live through it? We have noted down the most important factors you ought to consider.
One thing all homeowners who are planning to do major home updates ask themselves is whether you should move out during renovation or live through it. Most contractors will tell you that it is much better and safer if you move out. It makes their work easier to execute, but renting during home renovations can be financially unsustainable for some. To help you out, we will dissect all that you need to take into consideration to help you make a decision.
Consider the amount of work involved in the renovations
It is not only budgetary constraints that are an argument against moving out. Depending on the type of home design you plan to introduce to your home and scope of repairs that need to be done, living in your home could be downright impossible, or extremely uncomfortable at the very least.
On the other hand, if you only plan to do surface renovations such as painting or changing the flooring, you could designate a room or an area in your home where you can stay with your family members while the renovation is taking place.
You may want to move out temporarily if the remodel is elaborate.
Alt: a floor plan nails and drill
Yet, if you plan to renovate your kitchen or your bathroom, this strategy can be impossible to carry out. You cannot live normally without these rooms (unless you have extremely nice neighbors). So, you may consider renting while they are renovated simultaneously. This will save you a lot of money even if you are moving out during the high season.
Consider moving out if the renovation involves demolition
You might want to move out temporarily if the renovations require demolishing a wall or other structural parts of your home. The same goes for complex updates such as roof repairs or roof removal. In addition, it might be better to avoid staying in your home if you are removing dangerous substances such as asbestos or mould.
This is an important safety consideration, so do not take things lightly. Even if you are completely isolated in one part of the home, the contractors will have to clean all pieces of timber, dust, or shards just in case. This might drag out the renovations or even worse – compromise the health and safety of your family.
Hence, if you work remotely or have small kids, moving out might be the more convenient option. Consider staying with your relatives, friends, or renting a small place during renovation. Moving out some furniture pieces can even help speed up the remodel. However, there are a few packing mistakes to avoid if you decide to move out. Make sure you organize your belongings well so that you can easily unpack and pack and thus save time and money in the process.
It is easier to do construction work if there is no furniture inside the room.
Alt: a man repairing a ceiling
Consider your budget and decide if you should move out during renovation or live through it
Your renovation budget will probably be the most influential factor in making this decision. So, if the renovation is so comprehensive that it takes more than 3 months to be finished, renting near your work or school might simply be too costly.
Otherwise, you could rent an AirBnB, a trailer, cheaper hotel, or a place in a more affordable neighborhood. If you decide on this course of action, be sure to cut the relocation expenses every step of the way. Luckily, there are many, many ways to be frugal while you are packing your belongings for the move.
Consider if and when you will have access to your bathroom and kitchen
If you decide to live through the renovations, prepare to account for takeout meals, bottled drinking water, and other essentials when you are making your renovation budget. Of course, make sure you communicate with the contractor to prepare for times when they have to break off the water supply.
If you have a backyard, you may consider making a temporary kitchen and bathroom. Having two bathrooms is also a lifesaver – you can use one of them while the other one is going through the remodel. Some homeowners even decide to bring in a portable toilet during construction work.
Consider if you are patient and tolerant enough to stay in your home during renovation
You might stay in your home if you are able to occupy one part of the home. However, consider that demolition can be extremely disruptive, even unsafe. The quality of life in your home could be compromised due toxic fumes, dirt, or workers walking in and out all day long.
You will also have to live through constant, nerve-wracking noise caused by drills, jackhammers, saws, machines, and vehicles. Since most renovations start early in the morning and last until evening, arm yourself with a lot of tolerance.
Disruptive sounds might make living in your home insufferable.
Alt: a man drilling a nail into plywood
Also, if you are intolerant to dirt and dust, staying in might become a nightmare for you. No matter how well you seal off the doors and windows connecting you to the areas under construction, fine dust particles may still enter inside. The same goes for waste that will inevitably become part of your everyday life. Simply put, living next to leftover parts, timber, protective trump and tape will become part of your day-to-day life.
Privacy concerts should also factor into the decision
And finally, there is the question of privacy you need to consider. Hence, studying, working, and relaxing in your home may become extremely difficult. Also, couples with small children usually decide against staying in during the renovations. Children may have a difficult time adjusting to the constant noise and intrusion, so make sure you take this into consideration while you are deliberating whether you should move out during renovation or live through it.
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