When it comes to renovating a home, one of the biggest challenges is deciding where to live while renovating. Living in a construction zone can be uncomfortable and unsafe but at the same time, it’s also cost-efficient and convenient.
Fortunately, there are several options available to make this transition easier. You can stay with friends or family, rent another home or even get an RV to park on site.
Regardless of the option chosen, it’s important to have a plan in place for the duration of the renovation. This will help minimize stress and ensure a smooth transition.
Homeowners should consider factors such as budget, location, and safety when deciding where to live during the renovation process. With careful planning and consideration, homeowners can find a suitable living situation and successfully navigate the challenges of home renovation.
11 Options For Where to Live While Renovating
When it comes to renovating your home, it’s important to consider where you will live during the process. While some homeowners choose to stay in their homes during renovations, others opt for alternative living arrangements. Here are a few options to consider:
1. Renting a Property
Renting a property is a popular option for homeowners who want to move out of their homes during renovations. This allows them to avoid the dust, noise, and disruption that comes with major construction work.
Renting a property can also be a good option for homeowners who want to stay close to their homes during the renovation process.
There are a few things to consider when renting a property during renovations:
- First, it’s important to find a property that is close to your home, so you can easily check on the progress of the renovation work.
- Second, you’ll need to factor in the cost of rent and utilities into your renovation budget.
- Finally, you’ll need to make sure that the rental property is available for the entire duration of your renovation project.
2. Live on Site
Living on-site during a renovation can save money and allow for closer oversight of the project, but it can also be challenging due to noise, dust, and the general disruption of living in a construction zone.
Consider breaking down the renovation into phases, so that you always have a livable space. Start with one section of the house, and move on to the next only when the first is complete.
Explore more tips on how to live on site while building your house in Soho’s article.
3. Staying with Friends or Family
Another option is to stay with friends or family during the renovation process. This can be a good option for homeowners who want to save money on accommodation costs. Staying with friends or family can also be a good way to stay connected with your community during the renovation process.
However, it’s important to make sure that your friends or family are comfortable with you staying with them for an extended period of time. You’ll also need to consider the impact that your renovation project may have on their daily lives.
4. Using a Caravan
Using a caravan is a popular option for homeowners who want to stay close to their homes during renovations. Caravans can be parked on your property, allowing you to stay close to the renovation work while avoiding the dust and disruption that comes with major construction work.
There are three things to consider when using a caravan during renovations:
1. You’ll need to make sure that you have enough space on your property to park the caravan.
2. Factor in the cost of renting or buying a caravan into your renovation budget.
3. Make sure that the caravan is equipped with all of the necessary amenities, such as a bathroom and kitchen facilities.
5. Hotel Stay
Hotels or motels can be convenient for very short-term stays. Some establishments offer discounted rates for extended stays but this will likely be the priciest option.
6. Residential Hotels or Extended Stay Facilities
These facilities offer the comfort of a hotel with the conveniences of home, such as kitchenettes, and may provide better rates for longer stays compared to regular hotels.
7. Vacation Rentals
Renting a vacation home in your area could be a comfortable temporary solution. It might also provide a bit of a retreat from the renovation chaos.
Platforms like Airbnb and Cozycozy might be a good source of available listings.
8. House-Sitting
Look for house-sitting opportunities in your area. This could be a win-win situation where you get a place to stay while someone else gets their home and possibly pets looked after.
9. Subletting
Subletting is another option where you can take over someone else’s lease for a fixed period. It’s often cheaper than a traditional rental.
10. Co-living Spaces
Co-living spaces offer a shared living environment and can be an affordable and social option for temporary accommodation.
11. Container Homes
If local regulations permit, you might explore renting or buying a container home to live in temporarily on your property.
Understanding the Challenges of Living During Renovations
Renovating a home can be a significant undertaking, especially when deciding whether to rebuild or renovate. It can be challenging to live in the house during the process. Here are some of the challenges homeowners may face when living in their homes during renovations.
Dealing with Dust and Noise
Dust and noise are two of the most significant challenges that homeowners face during renovations. The dust generated during renovations can be harmful to health, especially for people with respiratory problems.
Noise from power tools and equipment can be disruptive and make it challenging to concentrate or relax.
To minimise the impact of dust and noise, homeowners can ask their contractors to use dust barriers and work during specific hours. Homeowners can also use earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones to reduce noise levels.
Safety Concerns
Renovations can pose safety risks to homeowners, especially if they have children or pets. Power tools, sharp objects, and debris can cause injuries, and exposed electrical wiring can be hazardous.
To prevent accidents, homeowners should ensure that their contractors adhere to safety guidelines and use protective equipment. Homeowners should also keep children and pets away from the renovation area and store tools and equipment in a safe place.
Disruption to Daily Life
Disruptions can make it challenging to carry out regular activities. Temporary living spaces might need to be created in other parts of the house.
“To minimise disruption, homeowners can create a temporary living space in another part of the house and plan meals ahead of time. Homeowners can also hire a professional cleaning service to keep the house clean and tidy during the renovation.”
Health Considerations
Renovations can have an impact on the health of homeowners, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions. Exposure to dust and fumes can exacerbate respiratory problems, and prolonged exposure to noise can cause hearing loss.
To protect their health, homeowners should wear protective gear such as masks and goggles when necessary. Homeowners can also take breaks from the renovation work to get fresh air and rest.
Living in a house during renovations can be challenging, but with proper planning and communication with contractors, homeowners can minimise the impact on their daily lives.
Evaluating Your Current Home’s Suitability
When renovating a home, it’s important to evaluate the current home’s suitability to determine if it’s the right place to live during the renovation process. This section will cover the key factors to consider when assessing your home’s suitability.
Assessing Space and Layout
One of the first things to consider when evaluating your current home’s suitability is the space and layout of the home. You’ll want to assess whether the home has enough space to accommodate you and any contractors who may be working on the renovation project. Additionally, it’s important to consider the layout of the home and whether it will be conducive to living in during the renovation process.
Availability of Essential Amenities
Another important factor to consider when evaluating your current home’s suitability is the availability of essential amenities. This includes things like access to a working bathroom, kitchen, and living space. You’ll want to assess whether these amenities will be available and functional during the renovation process.
Storage Area Needs
Finally, it’s important to consider your storage area needs when evaluating your current home’s suitability. You’ll want to assess whether there will be enough storage space available to accommodate your belongings during the renovation process.
Additionally, you’ll want to consider whether any additional storage solutions will need to be implemented to ensure that your belongings are safe and secure during the renovation process.
Overall, evaluating your current home’s suitability is a crucial step in the renovation process. By assessing space and layout, availability of essential amenities, and storage area needs, you can ensure that you choose the right place to live during the renovation process.
Budgeting for Living in During Renovations
Living on-site during a major renovation can be both a practical and cost-effective solution. However, it is important to budget for the additional costs associated with this decision. The following sub-sections will provide an overview of the costs involved, ways to save money, and unexpected expenses that may arise.
Costs of Staying On-site
Living on-site during renovations means that homeowners will need to consider the cost of temporary living arrangements, such as renting a trailer or staying in a hotel. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with utilities, such as water and electricity, that may increase due to the renovation work.
Saving Money by Living in
While there are additional costs associated with living on-site during renovations, there are also ways to save money. For example, homeowners can avoid the cost of commuting to and from the renovation site. Additionally, by living on-site, homeowners can keep a closer eye on the progress of the renovation and ensure that the work is being carried out to their satisfaction.
Unexpected Costs
It is important to budget for unexpected costs that may arise during the renovation process. For example, if the renovation work uncovers unexpected structural issues, additional work and costs may be required.
Homeowners should also consider the cost of temporary storage for their belongings if they need to be moved off-site during the renovation work.
In conclusion, while living on-site during a renovation can be a cost-effective solution, it is important to budget for the additional costs associated with this decision. Homeowners should consider the costs of temporary living arrangements, utilities, and unexpected expenses. By doing so, they can ensure that they are prepared for any additional costs that may arise during the renovation process.
Planning for Living in During Renovations
When it comes to renovating your home, it’s important to plan for where you will live during the process. Depending on the extent of the renovations, you may need to find temporary accommodation for yourself and your family. Here are some things to consider when planning for living during renovations.
Scheduling Renovations
One of the most important things to consider when planning for living during renovations is the schedule. It’s important to work with your builder or project manager to create a detailed schedule that outlines when each phase of the renovation will take place. This will help you plan your living arrangements accordingly.
Managing Builders and Tradespeople
Another important consideration is managing the builders and tradespeople who will be working on your home. It’s important to establish clear lines of communication and set expectations from the outset. This includes discussing things like work hours, access to your home, and how you will be kept informed of progress.
Dealing with Visitors and Site Meetings
During the renovation process, you may have visitors or need to attend site meetings. It’s important to plan for these events and communicate with your builder or project manager to ensure they are aware of any upcoming visits or meetings. This will help ensure that work can be scheduled around these events and that everyone is on the same page.
Overall, planning for living during renovations requires careful consideration and communication with your builder or project manager. By establishing clear lines of communication, creating a detailed schedule, and planning for events like site meetings, you can help ensure a smooth renovation process.
Special Considerations for Different Demographics
When renovating, it’s important to take into account the needs of different demographics that may be living in the home. Here are some special considerations to keep in mind for families with young children, teenagers, and pets.
Families with Young Children
Families with young children should prioritize safety when renovating. This means ensuring that all construction areas are properly secured and that dangerous materials are kept out of reach. It’s also important to create a designated play area for children that is separate from the construction zone. This can be achieved by using temporary walls or fencing to section off a portion of the home.
Another consideration for families with young children is noise. Renovations can be loud and disruptive, which can be upsetting for young children. It’s a good idea to schedule construction work during nap times or when children are out of the home to minimize disruption.
Teenagers
Teenagers may require a space to retreat to during renovations. This can be achieved by creating a separate area for them to hang out or study. It’s also important to involve teenagers in the renovation process and allow them to have a say in the design of their own space.
Another consideration for teenagers is the impact of renovations on their social life. If the renovation will impact common areas of the home, it may be necessary to make alternative arrangements for social gatherings or events.
Pets
Pets can be sensitive to changes in their environment, so it’s important to minimize stress during renovations. This can be achieved by keeping pets in a designated safe area away from the construction zone. It’s also important to maintain their routine as much as possible, including feeding and exercise schedules.
Another consideration for pets is the impact of renovations on their health. Dust and debris can be harmful to pets, so it’s important to keep the construction area clean and well-ventilated. It may also be necessary to temporarily relocate pets during particularly disruptive phases of the renovation.
Overall, taking into account the needs of different demographics can make the renovation process smoother and more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Conclusion
When renovating a home, it can be a challenging and stressful process to find a suitable living arrangement. However, with careful planning and research, it is possible to find a comfortable and convenient living situation.
Living on-site during a renovation can be an excellent option for those who want to oversee the project and ensure that everything is going according to plan. However, it can also be disruptive and uncomfortable, especially if the renovation is extensive or involves major structural changes.
For those who prefer to live off-site, there are many options to consider, including short-term rentals, hotels, or staying with friends or family. It’s essential to factor in the cost of living off-site and the inconvenience of commuting to the renovation site regularly.
Ultimately, the best option for where to live during a renovation will depend on individual circumstances, such as budget, the scope of the renovation, and personal preferences. By carefully considering all options, homeowners can find a living arrangement that works best for them and their dream home renovation project.
Suggested reading: How much does a renovation cost these days? Don’t miss our guide on this year’s renovation costs so you know what to expect.
FAQs on Where to live while renovating
Q: What are the risks of home renovation?
A: When renovating your home, there are a few potential risks to be aware of, including:
- Injuries: Increased foot traffic from workers can lead to a greater risk of accidents and injuries on the property.
- Theft: Valuable items in the home may be stolen by workers or contractors.
- Damage: Workers may use tools and equipment that could damage the home, either intentionally or unintentionally.
Q: Can you still make money by renovating a house?
A: Yes, it is still possible to make money by renovating a house. However, it is important to choose the right projects and to do your research to ensure that you are not overpaying for the renovations. It is also important to factor in the cost of any unexpected expenses or delays.
Q: What is the most common renovation?
A: Kitchen renovations are the most common type of home renovation. This is likely because kitchens are one of the most important rooms in a home and can have a significant impact on its value.
Q: What is the tax on flipping houses in Australia?
A: If you sell a house for a profit in Australia, you will likely need to pay capital gains tax. The capital gains tax rate is half of your marginal income tax rate.
