Renovations are exciting, however the transformation from old to new will mean parts of your home will be a construction zone. You will have dust, materials, tools, and people working in your house for the duration of your project so there are a few things to keep in mind when deciding to live in or move out.
Appliances and water. These will be unavailable during part or most of your reno. That means that kitchen appliances, sinks, toilets, bathtubs, washers and dryers may all be out of commission for the duration of the reno depending on what room/s are being done.
Packing. Whether you move out or stay, you’ll need to move your belongings from the reno zone. Prepare in advance by getting boxes and packing material and have a place to store your belongings that is out of the way of the reno zone.
Meal preparation. Is it feasible to eat out or order in for all three meals? If you’re relying on take out, it may be a good idea to have disposable plates and cutlery on hand. If you have kids in school, you’ll need to make plans for lunch preparation.
Dust and odors. If someone in your household suffers from allergies or has environmental sensitivities, the dust, by-products, and smell of certain materials used in renovations may be an issue. Good renovators take precautions to protect parts of the home not being renovated, but dust travels and odors from certain products may be difficult to contain.
Kids/toddlers. For their safety, children should never be around construction site. There are many tools, small objects and debris that could be harmful to them, so at minimum, the area under renovation should be completely barricaded to prevent their entry.
Pets. In addition to the accessibility of things they shouldn’t get into, pets may also be frightened by the noises various tools make and the presence of strangers in your home.
Hygiene. If you only have one bathtub/bathroom and it’s being renovated, you need to have a plan for personal hygiene be it at a friend/family member’s home, your fitness club or elsewhere.
Expenses. Expenses will vary depending on which route you take, but be sure to factor in rent, food costs from not having a kitchen, moving expenses, storage costs, etc.
Personal preferences. Are you comfortable living through a transition? How will you feel seeing dust, tools, wood and materials in your space?
When you’re deciding whether to move out or live in during your reno, keeping these points in mind will help you make the decision that suits the needs of your household the best and further ensure that your reno experience is a positive one.
