It is the classic renovator’s dilemma. On one hand, renting a separate place for six months is expensive. That is money that could be going into better tapware or upgraded flooring.
On the other hand, living in a construction site is tough. We are talking about dust in your toothbrush, 7 am start times, and washing dishes in the bathtub. As builders, we have seen clients do it both ways. We have seen families “camp out” in the back rooms quite happily, and we have seen others move out after two weeks because the noise drove them crazy.
The Case for Staying (The Pros)
You save money
This is the big one. If your renovation takes 4-6 months, renting a nearby family home could cost you $15,000 to $25,000. Staying put puts that cash back in your pocket (or into the build budget).
You are on site for decisions
Renovations involve a thousand small decisions. When the electrician needs to know exactly where you want the power point, or the tiler needs to check a layout, you are right there. It saves a lot of phone tag and emails.
Site security
Having someone sleeping in the house can deter theft, although we secure the site regardless.
The Case for Moving Out (The Cons)
The dust (it gets everywhere)
We use plastic zip-walls and dust extractors, but renovation dust is incredibly fine. It finds a way into drawers, cupboards, and rooms that aren’t even being touched. If you have asthma or allergies, staying is usually a bad idea.
The project might take longer
This is something people often forget. If we must pack up our tools completely every afternoon so you can use the hallway, or if we need to work around your furniture, it can sometimes slow down the build, so working in an empty house is always the faster and more convenient option.
Living without utilities
There will be days when the power is off. There will be days when the water is off. If you are redoing your only bathroom or your kitchen, you need to be prepared to live off takeaways and shower at the gym or a neighbour’s house.
Can you find a middle ground?
It often comes down to the scope of the work. If you are doing a rear extension but the front bedrooms and bathroom are untouched, you can probably seal off the back of the house and stay comfortably. But if you are popping the top off for a second storey, or ripping up the floors in the hallway, it is usually safer to move out.
We manage all types of renovations and extensions, and we can usually tell you early on if living on-site is going to be feasible for your specific project.
If you do decide to stay, we just recommend setting up a “clean zone” where no boots are allowed and maybe planning a weekend away during the messiest parts (like demolition or plaster sanding).
Need a hand weighing up your options?
Every renovation is different. We are happy to come out, look at your plans, and give you our honest take on whether staying put is feasible for your specific build. We are here when you are ready to get the ball rolling without the stress. Give Paul a call for a chat or send us an email to arrange a site visit.
