Staying On-Site During Our Last Remodel: A Journey of Challenges and Triumphs

For over a decade, we dreamed of transforming our fixer-upper into the home of our dreams. After years of planning, replanning (and replanning again), the moment finally arrived: our main living space, the central part of our house, became the open-concept haven we’d always envisioned. The Vintage yellow Formica countertops are NO LONGER. Here’s a glimpse into why we chose to stay in our home during the renovation and how we navigated the challenges. 

Why We Stayed On-Site

1. No Commute Time

Living in a rural area has its perks, but convenient access to stores and restaurants isn’t one of them. Traffic into the city has become increasingly time-consuming, making the idea of commuting to and from a temporary residence unappealing. The city has moved out to our once rural part of the country.

To make things manageable, we leveraged a strategic decision we made two years earlier: converting a bedroom into a combination laundry and mudroom. This space became our temporary kitchen during the renovation, where we prepared meals and did laundry. On the opposite side of the house, our bedroom served as a multi-purpose space for sleeping, eating, and relaxing. 

2. Keeping Our Dog Comfortable

Our Blue Heeler, Babe, is more than a pet—she’s the office manager and guardian of her domain. Adjusting to a smaller, unfamiliar space would have been difficult for her. Staying on-site allowed Babe to remain in her element while ensuring she could keep an eye on the activity (and ward off any unwanted intruders, as she takes her security duties very seriously!).

 

 

3. Office Proximity

With our office located in a separate on-site building, staying home was the most practical choice. The office doubled as a storage space for furniture and became a daytime refuge for me and Babe. It saved us significant time and allowed for a smoother workflow during the construction process. 

Timing the Project

While the project timeline wasn’t our first choice, starting when the budget allowed turned out to be advantageous. During the eight weeks when the house was stripped down to its bare exterior walls and roof, we didn’t have to worry about frozen pipes, as the weather was warm.

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

However, navigating the construction site presented its own challenges. There were days when we couldn’t walk through the remodel area to reach our temporary kitchen, requiring us to exit through the backyard. The summer heat was intense, but we were grateful not to be bundling up in heavy coats or dealing with frozen ground. 

The timing also worked in our favor during the painting stage. Though the fumes were overwhelming, we mitigated them by opening windows and using air purifiers—though one purifier did succumb to the paint fumes! 

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Staying Sane: Mental and Physical Strategies

Through years of remodeling, this project felt the most manageable. I attribute this to meticulous preparation. Before demolition began, we relocated furniture to the office and moved kitchen appliances, dishes, and cookware to the laundry mudroom. The process felt like a game of “musical rooms,” but the extra time we allotted made it less stressful. 

Maintaining a sense of humor and perspective was key. While the renovation tested our patience, having a clear plan kept us grounded. (My husband might have a slightly different take on this!)

Highlights of the Remodel

Despite the challenges, the project’s milestones were deeply rewarding:

• Insulation Installation: Seeing the insulation go in was a game-changer, marking the beginning of a cozier and more energy-efficient home.  
• Cabinet Installation: Watching the kitchen cabinets being placed was an emotional moment. After 10 years of planning, our dream kitchen was finally taking shape. For the first time, our refrigerator had its own cabinet—a small detail that felt monumental.
• Countertops and Island: The arrival of our granite countertops and island was breathtaking. We had chosen them over a year earlier, and seeing them installed was a powerful reminder of how far we’d come.
• Bold Paint Colors: Taking a leap of faith with bold cabinet colors was nerve-wracking, but the outcome exceeded our expectations. Thank you, Ariel Merk of  https://www.r8services.com/, for your expert guidance and encouragement. The bold choices truly made the space unique and timeless.

Final Thoughts

Staying on-site during a renovation isn’t for everyone, but for us, it was the right choice. By balancing practical strategies with moments of celebration, we transformed what could have been a stressful experience into a memorable chapter of our lives. Now, as we enjoy our new space, we are getting ready to remodel the last part of our home. Bathroom, laundry mud room, bedroom, and pantry. Stay tuned to the new project going into 2025.