‘Can I Stay In My Home During A Remodel?’ A Home Remodeling Guide

It is the age-old question that follows every inspired Pinterest session or contractor consultation: “Do we really have to move out?” The answer is rarely a simple yes or no. While it saves on temporary rental costs, it can require a level of logistical gymnastics that would impress an Olympian. However, it doesn’t have to be. If you are considering a home remodel and would like to stay in your home during the process, here are some helpful tips to help you navigate the chaos.

Preparing for Disruptions

Before the remodeling project begins, acknowledge that your daily rhythm is about to change. Construction starts early, it’s loud, and although we use a dust containment system, some "construction dust" has a magical ability to find its way into closed drawers three rooms away.

Mental preparation is key. Ensure a schedule is implemented with your project manager so you know exactly when crews will arrive and depart. When working with an experienced design-build firm, such as Lewis Design Build Remodel, your project manager will handle this for you.

You should also anticipate the "mid-project blues.” This is the time when the novelty of the home remodeling project has started to wear off, and you grow tired of seeing plywood where your backsplash used to be. Just try to remember that your dream home is being transformed, and it is only a matter of time before you will be living in the space you have always dreamed of.

Creating Designated Safe-Zones

To survive a remodel, you need a sanctuary. A "safe zone" is a room (or floor) that remains completely untouched by tools, boots, and dust. As part of our home remodeling process, we will create the designated safe zone for you and put measures in place to contain the mess:

• Seal it off: We use heavy-duty plastic sheeting and zip-walls to isolate the construction area. This helps keep debris, dust, and anything else related to the renovation contained within the space.
• Air Quality: During the demo phase, we run high-quality HEPA air purifiers or "scrubbers" to minimize the migration of fine particulates.
• The "No-Go" Rule: At LDBR, we openly communicate with our clients and work with them to create boundaries. Your bedroom or home office should be a private space for you to decompress or work in peace.

Navigating Kitchen and Bathroom Limitations

The loss of a kitchen or a primary bathroom is usually the biggest hurdle. There are some ways to create a temporary solution during the renovation.

• The Temporary Kitchen: Set up a "kitch-ette" in a dining room or garage. A microwave, an electric kettle, a hot plate, and a slow cooker can get you through months of work.
• The Bathroom Phase: If you have a single full bathroom being remodeled, you likely need to relocate. If you have two, work with your remodeling contractor to have them complete one bathroom entirely before beginning work on the second. There is no such thing as a "quick" morning routine when you're sharing a half-bath with three other people.

Child and Pet Safety

Construction sites can be very dangerous, especially for the curious. Exposed wiring, sharp nails, and heavy machinery are constant fixtures. At Lewis Design Build Remodel, we ensure all hazardous materials are cleaned up and the space being remodeled is closed off before leaving the job site each day.

• Barriers: For an additional layer of safety, use extra-tall baby gates or temporary doors to keep toddlers away from the work zone. This is especially helpful if the space being remodeled is in the middle of the home or has multiple access points.
• Pet Anxiety: The loud and unpredictable noises of a home renovation (saws, nail guns, hammers, etc.) can be terrifying for pets. Consider "doggie daycare" on heavy demo days, or keep them in a quiet, interior room with a white noise machine.

Impact on Utilities

Remodeling often requires "cutting into" the house's vitals. Expect intermittent shutoffs of water, electricity, and even gas. We like to give our clients 24-hour notice, but it is always good to have a backup plan. Depending on what part of your home is being remodeled, keeping a few gallons of water for flushing toilets or a fully charged power bank for your phone and other electronics is a good place to start.

Hazardous Materials: The Silent Risk

Safety isn't just about avoiding tripping hazards or hazardous materials; it’s about what you can’t see. If your home was built before the late 1970s, there is a high probability that there is lead-based paint or asbestos.

• Testing: Always have professional testing done before demolition.
• Silica Dust: Even in new homes, cutting tile or stone creates silica dust, which is harmful if inhaled. While our team will be using wet-saws and HEPA vacuums to mitigate the risks, it is a good idea to have a few masks or respirators on hand for yourself and your loved ones in case of an emergency.

The Bottom Line

Living through a remodel is a marathon, not a sprint. If the project involves the majority of your square footage or your only bathroom, a short-term rental or an extended stay with family is usually the wiser choice. However, with meticulous planning, a great contractor, and a healthy dose of patience, you can successfully watch your dream home take shape from the inside out.

For more information, please visit our website and download our eBook: ‘A Guide To Hiring A Remodeler.’ Our eBook Guide provides additional resources and includes helpful Worksheets that will make the process of picking the right remodeling expert for the job stress-free. To get your own project started, get in touch with us or give us a call at (831) 566-9499.

Project Featured In This Blog: Old World Goes Modern