Should You Stay or Move Out During a Home Renovation?

Embarking on a home renovation is an exciting journey, but deciding whether to stay in your home or temporarily relocate can be a tough call.

Both options come with distinct advantages. Let’s explore the pros of each to help you make the best choice for your situation.

 

Benefits of Staying in Your Home During Renovation

1. Cost Savings
   Staying home eliminates the cost of renting temporary housing, helping you keep your renovation budget on track.
2. Hands-On Oversight
   Being on-site allows you to monitor progress closely, address issues as they arise, and ensure the project aligns with your vision. 
3. Immediate Decision-Making 
   Quick access to the renovation team means you can respond to unexpected situations or necessary changes right away, avoiding delays. 
4. Maintain Routine
   Living at home minimizes disruptions to your daily life, allowing you to continue your regular routines in the comfort of your own space.
5. Enhanced Security
   Your presence helps deter theft or vandalism, providing peace of mind that your property and belongings are safe.

Benefits of Moving Out During Renovation

1. 1. Reduced Stress
      Avoid the noise, dust, and general chaos of construction, making for a more peaceful and less stressful experience. 
   2. Accelerated Timeline
      Contractors can work more efficiently without accommodating your daily activities, potentially completing the project faster.  
   3. Safety Considerations                                        Staying away eliminates exposure to construction hazards like dust and fumes, an important factor for families with children, pets, or individuals with health concerns. 
   4. Uninterrupted Utilities                                   You won’t have to deal with water, power, or gas disruptions that can occur during construction phases.
   5. Comprehensive Renovations                            Moving out allows for more extensive and thorough work, as contractors don’t have to maintain livable spaces during the project. 

Our Renovation Journey: Staying On-Site

When my husband and I embarked on a major renovation of our home, we faced the same dilemma. Ultimately, we decided to stay on-site, balancing the advantages of direct involvement with the challenges of living amidst construction.

Our project was ambitious: merging the living room, dining room, and kitchen into an open-concept space. To prepare, we started with a smaller remodel a few years earlier, converting a bedroom into a combined laundry and mudroom. This strategic move allowed us to set up a temporary kitchen, ensuring we could prepare meals during the renovation.

We lived in our master bedroom suite at one end of the house, while the temporary kitchen and laundry facilities were set up at the other. This arrangement gave us a semblance of normalcy—sleeping comfortably and cooking meals—while the central part of our home was transformed. 

The project spanned just over six months and, while it wasn’t without its challenges (constant noise and dust, anyone?), the end result was worth every moment.

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Deciding whether to stay or move out during a renovation ultimately comes down to your priorities, budget, and tolerance for disruption. Whichever path you choose, careful planning and preparation will help ensure a smoother, more enjoyable renovation experience.

We can’t wait to share more details of our journey and the lessons we learned along the way. What’s your renovation story?