Do We Have To Move Out During The Renovations

Renovating your home doesn’t always require moving out while the work is happening. It really comes down to the scope of the project and how many inconveniences you and your family are willing to take on. Smaller projects are usually manageable to live through. They might interrupt your routine here and there, but most families get through them without too much trouble.

Larger projects are a different experience. If you are doing a full kitchen remodel, renovating the basement, or adding new rooms, certain parts of your home may be completely off limits. That can make daily life challenging or even unsafe.

Key Factors to Consider Before Deciding

If you’re trying to decide whether you can stay home during a renovation, it helps to think through a few practical questions. 

• Do you work from home and need a reliable internet connection? 
• Could noise or vibration be an issue? 
• Do you have pets that might feel anxious with strangers, new smells, and constant activity? 
• Are there small children who might be tempted to wander into renovation areas or toward power tools?

Think about your daily needs, too!

• Do you need access to water at all times? 
• Does anyone in your family have dust allergies? 
• Do you have a spare, closed-off space for sleeping, bathing, and preparing food?
• What time do you usually start your day? 
• Most construction crews prefer an early start.

It also helps to look at the bigger picture. 

• How long will the renovation take? 
• What would a short-term rental cost? 
• Is there an emotional cost to living through the disruption? 
• Do you have friends or family you could stay with, or could you use a local fitness club for shower access?

Finally, consider your contractor’s perspective. 

• What do they recommend? 
• How would they prefer to work? 
• Would the price be lower if you moved out and they didn’t need to work around your daily routine?

These are the kinds of questions worth considering before making your decision. In most cases, you can stay in your home during a renovation. It really comes down to how many disruptions you’re willing to tolerate and for how long.

There are only a few situations where staying home is unsafe or simply not practical.

When You Should Definitely Move Out

1. If your staircase is being redone and there’s no place to sleep on the main floor or in the basement.
2. When heating or electricity will be off for a long time, especially in cold weather.
3. During cleanup of hazardous materials like mold or asbestos.
4. When major structural work is happening, or the roof is being removed.
5. If water will be unavailable for long periods.
6. When someone in your home is very sensitive to dust or strong smells.
7. If there’s no safe floor to walk on, or things could fall from above.

How to Stay Home Safely During Renovations

• Close off the work area with the Zip-Wall System. Hang plastic sheets to keep dust and mess out of the rest of your home.
• Use HEPA filters and Negative Air Units during the messiest part of the reno, like demolition or plastering.
• Protect all air returns in the renovation areas with a fine filter cloth.
• Buy plenty of disposable Furnace filters and replace them weekly.
• Protect all air supply outlets with a coarse filter cloth to prevent debris from falling into them.
• Wear a mask when necessary. Leave the house during staining or painting – open windows to bring in fresh air.
• If possible, have the construction team use a back or side door to limit traffic through your home.
• Ask the construction team to clean up daily using a strong vacuum and a quick wipe-down to keep dust under control.
• Keep kids and pets away from the area. Set up a room where they can safely stay during work hours.

Temporary Housing Options During Renovations

So, where to stay during home renovation? Here are some options to consider:

• Extended stay hotels: Great for longer renovations. They usually include a kitchen, laundry, and Wi-Fi, so you can live comfortably.

   

• Vacation rentals: Rent a fully furnished home or apartment, like an Airbnb, so your routine stays as normal as possible.

   

• Cottage, trailer, or RV: If you already have one, this can be an affordable option.

   

• A friend’s or family member’s home: Often the easiest and least expensive choice.

   

• Local fitness club: If you won’t have access to showers at home, joining a nearby gym can help you stay fresh.

How Long You Might Need To Move Out

• Small kitchen or bathroom updates: About 3 to 4 weeks. You can usually stay home, but expect some noise and vibrations.

• Custom kitchen renovation: Around 4 to 6 weeks if no structural work is involved. Many people choose to live elsewhere since the kitchen isn’t usable. If you stay, set up a temporary cooking area in another room.

   

• Bathroom remodeling: About 3 to 4 weeks. If it’s your only bathroom, you may need to move out or use a local fitness club for showers.

   

• Replacing all floors: About 1 to 2 weeks. Staying home can be tricky, especially with kids or pets.

   

• Big remodels or home additions: About 2 to 4 months or more. Living elsewhere is often easier.

   

• Basement remodel: About 5 to 8 weeks. You can usually stay home unless the work affects heat or electricity for long periods.

Final Verdict: Should You Move Out During Renovations?

You do not always need to move out during a renovation. For many, especially smaller jobs, you can stay home and adjust your routine. If your interior designer has created a plan that involves major changes, then it may be better to stay somewhere else.

Think about how long the project will take, your budget, and whether your home will remain livable during the work.

Sosna can help you plan and execute a home renovation project in Toronto and the GTA. We have helped an army of happy clients make the right decisions and guided them through the process every step of the way. We are the most punctual, organized, and trusted house renovation contractor, custom kitchen remodeler, full basement renovation company, and expert condo remodeling company. Contact us today to get started on your project!