Undertaking a home renovation in Redlands is an exciting journey, transforming your home into a more functional and beautiful space. However, one of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make before construction begins is whether to stay in your home during the renovation or find alternative living arrangements.

While living onsite may seem like a cost-effective option, it comes with challenges that can add unnecessary stress to an already demanding process. The key to a smooth renovation experience is careful planning—including making informed decisions about your living situation. In this blog, we’ll explore the factors to consider when deciding whether to stay or move out and how to minimize disruption if you choose to remain at home.

Onsite Living: Is It Possible?

Yes, it’s possible to live in your home during a renovation, but it requires careful consideration and preparation. Major renovations can be disruptive, with early morning tradespeople, dust, noise, and temporary service shutdowns affecting your daily routine.

To determine if onsite living is feasible for your project, discuss it early in the preliminary planning phase with your builder. At Swanson Constructions, we encourage homeowners to weigh the pros and cons and plan accordingly.

Challenges of Living Onsite During a Renovation

1. Safety Considerations

A construction site is not a typical living environment, and safety must be a top priority. After work hours, the job site remains active, with exposed structures, sharp tools, and unfinished areas. If you plan to stay in your home, your builder will need to implement temporary barriers to ensure safe access for your family.

Other safety concerns include:

• Open wall spaces and exposed wiring.
  
• Heavy machinery and tools left onsite.
  
• Trip hazards from construction materials.
  

If you have young children or pets, onsite living may not be the best option due to these potential risks.

2. Power and Water Disruptions

Renovations often require temporary disconnection of utilities, including electricity, water, and gas. These interruptions can affect daily tasks such as cooking, showering, and even charging essential devices.

Some key points to consider:

• Will your fridge and appliances be able to handle power outages?
  
• How will you manage if water is turned off for extended periods?
  
• Can you function without heating or cooling during construction?
  

Planning for these disruptions in advance—by having backup power sources or alternative facilities—can make a big difference in your comfort level.

3. Noise and Dust

Construction starts early, with tradespeople typically arriving by 6:30 AM. If you work from home or have young children, the constant noise from power tools, hammering, and drilling can be overwhelming.

Additionally, dust spreads quickly and can be challenging to contain. Even with protective barriers, fine particles often find their way into living spaces, affecting air quality and cleanliness.

If you have allergies or respiratory issues, dust exposure could pose a health risk. Before deciding to stay, consider how well you can manage these environmental challenges.

4. Limited Access for Tradespeople

A home renovation requires multiple workers, vehicles, and material deliveries, which means increased traffic around your property. On any given day, 5 to 10 trade vehicles may need parking space, making it difficult for homeowners to store their cars or move around freely.

Limited space can also delay deliveries of building materials and complicate logistics for your builder. Ensuring your driveway and access points remain clear is crucial to keeping the project on schedule.

Should You Move Out During the Renovation?

Considering the safety hazards, disruptions, and logistical challenges, we strongly recommend making alternate living arrangements whenever possible. While this adds to your budget, it can significantly reduce stress and allow construction to proceed without unnecessary obstacles.

Alternatives to Living Onsite

• Renting a temporary home: If your renovation is extensive, renting a short-term home may be the best option for comfort and convenience.
  
• Staying with family or friends: This is a cost-effective solution, but ensure you have enough privacy and space for your needs.
  
• Setting up a temporary living space: If only part of your home is under construction, you may be able to set up a functional area elsewhere on your property, such as a granny flat or converted garage.
  

Final Thoughts

Renovations should be an exciting phase of your home improvement journey, not a stressful ordeal. By planning your living arrangements early in the process, you can minimize disruptions and ensure a smoother experience.

If you’re planning a home extension in Redlands, working with experienced professionals like Swanson Constructions will help you navigate these challenges effectively. We can provide guidance on the best approach for your project, ensuring that your renovation is efficient, safe, and as hassle-free as possible.

For expert advice on home renovations in Redlands, get in touch with Swanson Constructions today and start planning your dream home the right way!