How to Renovate a House While Living In It – 8 Tips and Tricks

Starting a major home renovation while still living on the property can be a tough ordeal. You’ll face continuous noise, endless dust, and non-stop activity, all of which can really test a homeowner’s endurance.

Despite recent inflation increases that have slowed, the rate of spending on home improvements, data shows that people around the world are still heavily investing in enhancing their living areas. This commitment shows how important creating spaces that work well and look good is.

If you’re wondering how to renovate a house while living in it, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve lived through several renovations and it can be extremely stressful, but the end result is always worth it!

How to Renovate a House While Living In It

Given the difficulties of such major home renovations, planning carefully to keep your home comfortable and peaceful amidst the upheaval is critical.

In this post, we will go over a few essential tips on how to renovate a house while living it, and keep everything organized and calm at home during these significant changes.

1. Prepare Your Home

Declutter and Organize

Before the renovation begins, declutter your home. Remove unnecessary items and organize your belongings. This will make it easier to move things around and create space for the renovation work.

Establish a Designated Living Zone

Setting up a designated living zone within your home is crucial. This area should serve as a safe haven where the mess and stress of renovation do not intrude.

Equip this zone with all your essentials including a comfortable sleeping area, a basic kitchen setup, and a cozy spot for relaxation. By consolidating your daily activities to this area, you significantly reduce the disruption to your routine and create a semblance of normalcy amid the renovation chaos.

Create a Construction-Free Zone

Designate a part of your home as a construction-free zone where you can relax and escape the chaos. This space should be off-limits to contractors and workers, providing you with a safe and quiet retreat.

Embrace Temporary Solutions

Invest in temporary furnishings like foldable tables, chairs, and storage units. These can be easily moved and stored once the renovation is complete.

2. Explore Nearby Storage Options

When you are getting ready to renovate a house, you’ll need to clear out the area and secure your belongings. Renting a nearby storage unit can be significantly beneficial for this task.

By moving unnecessary items and large furniture to a storage unit, you not only shield them from potential harm but also create essential room for the renovation work to go smoothly.

When selecting a storage unit, first consider its location. For instance, if you’re from Toronto, Canada, looking into the best storage units Toronto has to offer can save you a lot of relocation time as well as the availability of your items.

Also, consider factors such as security, access hours, and climate control features to ensure that it meets your needs without straining your budget.

3. Implement Strict Dust and Debris Management

Keeping dust and debris under control is crucial for maintaining a healthy living environment during home renovations. Use strong plastic sheets to seal off the construction area and prevent dust from spreading into your living spaces.

Additionally, consider investing in a high-quality air purifier to maintain clean air in your designated living area. Regular daily cleaning is also essential to promptly remove any dust that manages to enter your living spaces, preventing it from building up and causing health problems.

4. Schedule Home Renovation Work Thoughtfully

To further reduce the impact of major home renovations, schedule the work thoughtfully around your household’s daily schedule. Discuss with your contractors the possibility of them working during hours that will least affect your family’s activities.

For instance, if you work from home, you might prefer the bulk of noisy activities to be scheduled during times when you are not attending important meetings. Such planning helps in making the renovation process as unobtrusive as possible.

5. Focus on One Area at a Time

Phased Approach

Instead of renovating the entire house at once, consider a phased approach. Focus on one area at a time to minimize disruption. This allows you to have usable space in other parts of the house while one area is under construction.

Complete One Project Before Starting Another

Ensure that one project is completed before starting another. This prevents multiple unfinished areas and helps you maintain some level of order in your home.

6. Maintain Open Communication

Keeping in touch with your contractors is vital for supervising a home renovation effectively. Regular meetings keep you informed about progress and upcoming phases that could affect your living situation.

These discussions are your chance to voice concerns and adapt plans as the project progresses. Good communication helps you and your contractors collaborate to minimize disruptions from the renovation.

Also, inform your neighbors about your renovation plans. Let them know about potential noise and disruption, and try to minimize inconvenience to them. Being considerate can help maintain good relationships with your neighbors.

7. Manage Daily Life

Meal Planning

With a kitchen renovation, meal planning becomes crucial. Set up a temporary kitchen with essential appliances like a microwave, toaster, and mini-fridge.

Plan simple meals that require minimal preparation and cooking. Consider using disposable plates and utensils to reduce the need for washing dishes.

Safety First

Renovation sites can be hazardous, especially if you have children or pets. Establish clear safety guidelines and ensure everyone in the household understands them.

Keep children and pets away from construction areas and secure any dangerous tools or materials.

Maintain a Routine

Try to maintain your daily routine as much as possible. Stick to regular meal times, bedtimes, and other activities. Having a routine can provide a sense of normalcy and stability amidst the renovation chaos.

8. Keep Essential Services Accessible

During major home renovations, it’s crucial to keep essential services like water, electricity, and internet accessible. These services are essential for daily activities, and any interruption can greatly affect your daily life.

Talk to your contractors about planning the main tasks to reduce downtime. It’s also smart to have contingency plans, such as portable water storage or alternative power sources, prepared for temporary service disruptions.

Going through a big home renovation is tough, but with good planning and smart strategies, you can keep your home livable. Get a storage unit, set up a specific living area, control dust and debris, schedule work carefully, keep in touch with your contractors, and make sure you have access to necessary services. Following these steps will significantly reduce the disruption from the home renovation.

Keep in mind, being flexible and patient will help you deal with this challenging process. In the end, all the temporary inconvenience will pay off as you’ll have a home that’s beautifully renovated and will bring you joy for years.

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