Should I Stay in my Home During a Remodel?
A question we often get (especially on larger projects) is “Do I have to move out? Or should I stay in my home during a remodel?”
Sometimes moving temporarily is an obvious choice. Some examples of those projects include ripping off the roof, a whole home remodel, or certain additions, etc. There are also some projects where you can stay at home up until a certain phase. If you are renovating more than 75% of your home, you will almost certainly want to leave. If you haven’t talked to the team yet now is the time to do that.
What are my options?
There are some projects where moving out for the time an obvious choice. Some examples of those projects include ripping off the roof, a whole home remodel, or certain additions, etc. There are also some projects where you can stay at home up until a certain phase. If you are renovating more than 75% of your home, you will almost certainly want to leave. We recommend asking your team for their advice because each remodel will be different.
If you do have a remodel where you can stay put in your home, we will not lie and say living on site is easy. However, it does come with several advantages, including saving money. You will available if the carpenters have questions and the property can be more secure than if it is left vacant.
Some things to consider:
- Project Scope: If your renovation involves extensive work, such as a whole-home remodel or certain additions, moving out may be the best choice (or required).
- Safety, Noise and Smells: Living in a construction zone can be disruptive and may pose safety concerns for children and pets. Noise is unavoidable during renovations, and there are certain phases where there will be smells to contend with: Spray Foam Insulation, Hardwood Flooring Poly, Painting.
- Inconvenience & Disorder: No matter what, you are going to be inconvenienced when remodeling. Dust gets everywhere, no matter how many barriers and protection measures get put up, it makes its way to areas we aren’t even working in. And nothing will be where it is supposed to be or where you are used to it being.
- Progress Speed: Moving out allows workers to access the entire area freely, potentially speeding up the project.
The decision to live in your home during a remodel is one that we don’t want you to take lightly. Very rarely do we find homeowners sorry that they moved out temporarily, more often people wish they had found alternative places to stay for at least certain parts of the project. We want to give you the most tools information needed to make the best decision for you.
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