9 Expert Tips For Living At Home During A Remodel
Starting a home remodel is an exciting step toward creating your dream space. However, the process often comes with its share of challenges, especially as you navigate through the demolition and construction phases. Depending on the scale of the project, remodels can take several weeks or even months to complete. This is particularly true for high-use spaces like kitchens or bathrooms, where extended timelines might feel daunting.
The good news is that, with the right approach and some strategic planning, you can stay comfortable and organized while your home undergoes its transformation. Living at home during a remodel doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Armed with patience, a positive attitude, and expert tips from remodel professionals, you’ll find the journey more manageable. To help you prepare, we’ve compiled some of the most effective strategies for making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Stay Comfortable and Minimize Disruptions During Your Remodel
Remodeling your home while living in it can be challenging, but with a strategic approach, you can maintain comfort and minimize disruptions. Anticipating potential obstacles and taking proactive steps will help you reduce stress and keep your daily life running smoothly. This section will guide you through essential strategies to ensure your home remains functional and organized as the renovation takes place.
Plan Ahead and Order Your Fixtures Early
Delays are an inevitable part of most remodeling projects, but there’s a key way to minimize them: proactive planning. One proven strategy to avoid unnecessary setbacks is to ensure your fixtures and materials are ordered well in advance of the project start date. By selecting and securing these items ahead of time, you’ll be better prepared for potential hiccups. Having a clear delivery timeline or having your fixtures already on-site can significantly streamline the process and reduce stress.
For those upgrading high-use spaces like kitchens or bathrooms, this step is especially crucial. Choosing and ordering essentials such as vanities, hardware, cabinets, and countertops early on can prevent prolonged disruptions. This foresight ensures that your home remains functional and that construction timelines stay on track.
Feeling overwhelmed by options for finishes or fixtures? Many homeowners find value in consulting with an interior designer during the selection process. Designers can guide you in choosing the perfect elements to match your vision while serving as a helpful mediator between you and your contractor. This collaborative approach not only refines the decision-making process but also contributes to a smoother, more efficient remodel experience.
Plan Ahead for Mealtime Convenience
One of the biggest disruptions during a home remodel is losing access to your kitchen. As one of the most used spaces in any home, the kitchen plays a vital role in daily life, making its downtime particularly inconvenient. While home-cooked meals might seem out of reach during remodels, a little creativity and planning can keep them on the menu.
Setting up a temporary kitchen in another part of your home is a game changer. A few portable appliances, like a coffee maker, electric griddle, or microwave, can help you prepare simple meals. Don’t forget to relocate your refrigerator to a convenient spot using an extension cord. A folding table can serve as your makeshift countertop, giving you a functional space to work with.
If grilling is an option, now is the perfect time to make the most of your outdoor setup. A grill can handle everything from quick weeknight meals to family feasts, allowing you to maintain some normalcy. Pair grilling with planned takeout nights or even dinners with friends to break up the monotony and keep things fun.
To simplify cleanup during this time, stock up on disposable plates, cups, and utensils. This small investment can save you time and effort, letting you focus on enjoying your meals while your kitchen transforms into the space you’ve always dreamed of.
Prepare for a Temporary Disruption to Your Routine
A home remodel is an exciting journey toward a refreshed space, but the process often comes with challenges that disrupt your daily routine. It’s important to set realistic expectations before the project begins—normalcy will likely take a backseat until the remodel is complete. For families, this can feel especially stressful, but being prepared for the temporary upheaval can make a significant difference.
Beyond planning the logistics of the remodel itself, it’s equally important to account for how the construction will impact your daily life. Remodels mean contractors, equipment, and noise will be part of your home environment. While the project might progress smoothly, the constant activity and adjustments to your living space can feel overwhelming.
To minimize stress, take the time to reevaluate your schedule and make necessary adjustments. Planning social activities, coordinating family routines, and carving out personal time outside of the home can help maintain a sense of balance. Remember, these temporary sacrifices will lead to a beautifully remodeled space that’s well worth the effort. Approaching the project with flexibility and a proactive mindset will help you navigate the journey with ease.
Transform Your Remodel Into a Staycation
Remodels bring exciting changes to your home, but they also come with noise, dust, and disruption. For those who work remotely or value peace after a long day, it’s important to anticipate that your home won’t be serene or spotless during the remodel. Mentally preparing for the mess and chaos can help you handle the process with ease.
During the demolition phase, you can expect dust, debris, and general disarray, no matter how much effort goes into keeping the space tidy. Having realistic expectations about the state of your home can reduce the stress that naturally comes with a construction zone.
To take a break from the commotion, consider turning the remodel into an opportunity for a mini-vacation. Planning a short getaway, especially during the noisy and dusty early stages, can provide relief and allow the project to move forward uninterrupted. Renting a cabin, booking a hotel, or visiting family and friends can give you much-needed tranquility during this phase. While this may involve some additional costs, many find the peace of mind it offers to be well worth it.
For extensive remodels that impact most of your home, temporary relocation might be a smart choice. If your remodel includes major layout changes or structural additions, booking a short-term rental like an Airbnb can provide comfort and flexibility. Taking proactive steps to prioritize your well-being ensures the journey to your dream home feels manageable and rewarding.
Keep Your Air Clean During the Remodel
During the demolition phase of a remodel, dust is an inevitable byproduct of activities like sanding, cutting, and other construction work. To prevent dust particles from spreading throughout your home and settling in your ductwork, there are a few proactive steps you can take to maintain cleaner air.
One simple yet effective method is to seal off any return ducts in areas where heavy dust is generated, such as bedrooms or kitchens. While this may not be a long-term solution, it’s a helpful temporary measure to minimize dust contamination during activities that produce significant airborne particles.
Although your contractor will likely implement their own strategies to protect the rest of your home from dust, taking these extra precautions can make a significant difference. Placing plastic sheeting over vents, using air purifiers in key areas, and ensuring that windows are kept closed can also help limit dust buildup.
Being proactive about air quality during a remodel not only protects your health but also ensures a smoother remodel experience. Taking these preventative measures helps keep your home clean, your lungs healthy, and your living space as comfortable as possible throughout the process.
Safeguard Your Furniture and Valuables During a Remodel
Protecting your belongings is a crucial step when living at home during a remodel. While it may seem obvious, removing or safeguarding your furniture and valuables can prevent unnecessary damage from dust, paint, and construction activity.
The best approach is to take large pieces of furniture out of the construction area entirely. If removal isn’t possible, wrapping items in protective materials like plastic sheeting, moving blankets, or specialized furniture wrap can help shield them from dust and paint splatters.
Contractors often install temporary zippered walls that extend from the floor to the ceiling to contain dust within the work area. However, for an extra layer of protection, many professionals also lay down temporary protective flooring. This type of flooring protection is particularly useful if you’ve recently installed new floors. For hardwood surfaces, rosin paper or plastic coverings are commonly used, while carpeted areas often benefit from a plastic roll-out covering.
By taking these preventive steps, you can ensure that your furniture and floors remain in good condition, and you’ll have greater peace of mind throughout the remodeling process. A little extra effort to protect your belongings now will pay off in maintaining the integrity of your home’s interior.
Tackle Bathroom Remodels One at a Time
Remodeling a bathroom is typically less disruptive than a kitchen remodel, especially if your home has more than one full bathroom. The strategy of working on one bathroom at a time ensures that you always have at least one fully functional space available for showers and basic needs. However, even with careful planning, delays can occur in the bathroom currently under construction.
When your remodel involves significant work like moving plumbing or upgrading electrical systems, the timeline may be longer than expected. Depending on the scope of your project, tasks such as shower tiling might add an extra four to five days, while a custom glass shower enclosure could extend the timeline by five weeks after the tile installation is complete.
Having a clear understanding of your project’s timeline before demolition starts is a valuable way to set realistic expectations. For minor bathroom upgrades—like replacing countertops, adding new hardware, and painting—you can typically expect a completion timeline of around six weeks. For larger projects that include new tiled floors, vanities, countertops, toilets, and showers, the timeline often extends to ten or fourteen weeks.
Prioritize Safety by Staying Away from the Construction Site
If you have children or pets in your home, keeping safety top of mind during a remodel is essential. While most remodels are safe to live through as long as you’ve chosen a reliable contractor, there are some exceptions where extra caution is necessary. For instance, if asbestos is suspected in any materials, contractors will conduct a test before demolition begins to prevent exposure.
At the end of each workday, most contractors make an effort to clean up the construction site to minimize hazards. However, there are situations where leaving tools and materials behind is a practical decision. Contractors sometimes need to leave tools on-site if it’s a multi-day project and the homeowners approve. In such cases, everything should be neatly organized to avoid accidents and ensure safety.
If your contractor requests permission to leave tools behind, make sure there are no loose nails, screws, or sharp objects on the floors. This is particularly important in households with young children who like to explore every corner of the home. Taking these precautions ensures that your construction site remains as safe as possible, protecting everyone in your household from potential hazards throughout the remodel.
Select a Reliable Contractor from the Start
Living at home during a remodel isn’t an easy experience. Remodel projects often come with noise, dust, and the constant presence of tools and construction work. One of the best ways to minimize stress and keep things running smoothly is by hiring a trustworthy contractor from the beginning. A good contractor not only ensures quality work but also makes the overall experience more manageable and transparent.
Start by verifying your contractor’s credentials through your state’s licensure board, and take time to read online reviews and testimonials. Additionally, visit active or completed job sites to observe the quality of their work firsthand. This can give you a better sense of their attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
Equally important is finding a contractor you can communicate with easily. A successful remodeling project relies on open communication and trust. A good contractor should be approachable, willing to address your questions, and attentive to your preferences. As relationships grow during a project, many contractors often find themselves forming a bond with homeowners, making the overall experience smoother and more collaborative.
Conclusion
Living at home during a remodel doesn’t have to be stressful if you plan wisely and take proactive steps to maintain your comfort and organization. With the right strategies, a positive mindset, and a bit of creativity, you can turn a potentially chaotic situation into a manageable and even enjoyable experience. From ordering fixtures early to setting up a temporary kitchen, prioritizing safety, and safeguarding your belongings, every precaution you take contributes to a smoother remodeling journey.
Communication is another key factor. Hiring a reliable contractor who listens to your concerns and keeps you informed every step of the way ensures that everything stays on track. Remember, a successful remodel is built on trust, professionalism, and transparency. Working together with your contractor, interior designer, and other professionals helps refine your vision and brings your dream space to life faster and more efficiently.
Don’t forget that a remodel is a temporary phase. While it may feel overwhelming at first, keep your eyes on the end goal of enjoying a refreshed, functional, and beautiful space. Be flexible with your routine and adaptable to changes, knowing that any disruptions will ultimately contribute to the result you’ve been envisioning. Whether it’s embracing outdoor grilling, relying on disposable kitchen supplies, or setting up protective coverings for furniture, these small efforts go a long way in maintaining your sanity during the process.
At Helikson Homes, we’re dedicated to making your remodeling experience as seamless as possible. We specialize in custom home building, luxury remodeling, and high-end interior design in Eugene, Oregon, and Lane County. No matter how large or small your project, our team has the expertise and commitment to deliver stunning, personalized results. Ready to transform your home into your dream space? Let’s get started—reach out to us today and let Helikson Homes bring your vision to life with unmatched craftsmanship and care.
FAQs
How can I minimize delays during a kitchen or bathroom remodel?
To avoid delays, order your fixtures and materials well in advance. Having everything on-site before construction begins helps keep timelines on track and ensures a smoother process.
What should I do to protect my furniture and valuables during a remodel?
Remove large furniture from construction areas, or use protective materials like plastic sheeting, blankets, and furniture wraps. Contractors often install temporary zippered walls or protective flooring to safeguard your home’s interiors.
How can I handle mealtime disruptions during a kitchen remodel?
Set up a temporary kitchen with portable appliances like a microwave or electric griddle. Utilize outdoor grills, plan takeout nights, and stock up on disposable plates and utensils to make mealtime convenient.
Is it safe to live at home during a remodeling project with kids or pets?
Safety is a priority. Contractors take steps to clean up each workday, but you should also secure the construction area, ensure tools and sharp materials are safely stored, and remove any hazards that could pose risks to children or pets.
What is the best way to find a reliable contractor for a home remodel?
Look for a contractor with verified credentials, positive reviews, and testimonials. Visit active job sites to see their work quality, and maintain open, clear communication to ensure they understand your expectations and preferences from start to finish.
