Living Through a Remodel: How to Minimize Stress and Disruptions
The Dilemma Every Homeowner Faces
You’ve finally decided to remodel. Your vision for a beautiful, updated home is becoming a reality. But then comes the question that many homeowners struggle with…
Should you live in your home during the remodel, or move out until the work is done?
It’s a big decision. On one hand, staying in your home means avoiding extra costs for temporary housing. On the other hand, living in a construction zone can be noisy, dusty, and stressful.
So, how do you decide what’s best for you and your family? In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of staying versus moving out—and how to ensure a smooth remodel no matter which option you choose.
The Reality of Living Through a Remodel
What It’s Really Like to Stay in Your Home During Renovation
Many homeowners choose to stay in their homes during a remodel, assuming they can work around the construction. But the reality often looks like this:
- Loud noise all day from hammers, drills, and saws.
- Dust and debris covering surfaces—even in rooms you’re not remodeling.
- Unavoidable disruptions like workers coming in and out, turning off water or electricity, and blocking access to parts of your home.
- A lack of privacy with contractors working in your space for weeks or months.
Now, this doesn’t mean it’s impossible to stay in your home—but it does mean you need a plan to minimize stress and disruptions.
How to Decide: Stay or Move Out?
Stay If…
- Your remodel is limited to one or two rooms (like a bathroom or kitchen), and you have other usable spaces.
- You don’t mind noise, dust, and workers in your home during business hours.
- You’re able to set clear boundaries with your contractor about work hours and access to certain parts of your home.
- You’re willing to adjust your daily routine (for example, eating out if your kitchen is under construction).
Move Out If…
- You’re remodeling multiple major areas, such as the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms at the same time.
- Your home’s water, electricity, or HVAC system will be turned off for extended periods.
- You have children, pets, or family members with allergies or respiratory issues who could be affected by dust and construction fumes.
- You want to avoid the daily stress and inconvenience of living in an active worksite.
Tips for Staying in Your Home During a Remodel
If you decide to stay, here’s how to make the experience as smooth as possible:
1. Set Up a Temporary Living Space
If your kitchen is being remodeled, set up a mini kitchen with a microwave, coffee maker, and portable cooktop in another room. If your bathroom is out of commission, make sure you have access to another one.
2. Protect Your Belongings from Dust
Even if your contractor uses dust barriers, construction dust finds its way into everything. Cover furniture, remove valuables, and seal off rooms not being worked on.
3. Establish Clear Work Hours
At Blue Ribbon Exteriors and Construction (BREC), we work with homeowners to set clear start and stop times. This way, you get peace and quiet in the evenings and on weekends.
4. Communicate Any Concerns Immediately
If something about the construction process isn’t working for you, speak up. Whether it’s too much noise during certain hours or a problem with dust control, a good contractor will work to make adjustments.
When Moving Out Makes the Most Sense
Avoid the Stress of Daily Disruptions
If your remodel is extensive—think full home renovation or major kitchen and bathroom work—it might be worth temporarily relocating.
At BREC, we help homeowners determine realistic move-out dates and provide a clear timeline so you know exactly when your home will be ready to move back in.
Benefits of Moving Out:
- No dealing with noise, dust, or construction chaos.
- Work can progress faster since crews don’t have to work around a family’s schedule.
- Less risk of unexpected inconveniences, like losing access to water or electricity.
If you have family or friends to stay with, or if your budget allows for temporary housing, moving out can make your remodeling experience far less stressful.
The Cost of Staying vs. Moving Out
Some homeowners hesitate to move out because of the cost—but not moving out could cost you more in stress and delays.
Consider:
- Will construction take longer because workers have to adjust around your daily routine?
- Will you need to eat out more often if your kitchen is unusable?
- Is the stress of living in a remodel worth the money saved?
At BREC, we help you weigh the real cost of staying vs. moving out, so you can make the best decision for your family.
Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice for Your Remodel
Deciding whether to stay or move out during a remodel isn’t always easy, but it’s an important decision that affects your comfort, stress levels, and the project timeline.
By considering the scope of your remodel, your ability to tolerate construction, and the needs of your family, you can make a choice that keeps your remodeling experience smooth and stress-free.
At Blue Ribbon Exteriors and Construction, we:
- Help you decide if staying or moving out is best for your project.
- Provide clear timelines so you know exactly how long work will take.
- Work around your schedule to minimize disruptions.
Need expert advice on your remodel? Click here to schedule a consultation or download our free remodeling guide.
