Surviving Your Home Renovation: Should You Stay or Move Out?
You're about to start a major Home Renovation—should you stay or should you go? Some homeowners choose to live through the process, while others prefer to move out to avoid the dust, noise, and disruption. At V&M Construction, we understand both options and can help you make an informed decision.
Living Through a Renovation: Pros & Cons
Why Stay?
You can monitor progress daily and make on-the-spot decisions.
You save on temporary housing costs.
You're able to address unexpected issues quickly.
Why Move Out?
Avoid dust, noise, and disruption to your daily life.
Contractors can work faster in an unoccupied home.
You don’t have to deal with limited space and privacy issues.
Stories from Homeowners Who Lived Through It
When Mark and Lisa from Guelph started their home renovation, they thought their 12-week project would be manageable. Instead, it stretched to over six months. “We spent three months sleeping in our basement with two kids and a dog,” Lisa recalls. “At one point, we had to cook all our meals on a hot plate in the laundry room.” Their biggest regret? Not renting a short-term place for the most disruptive phases.
On the other hand, Jason and Emily from Kitchener stayed in their home during a kitchen and bathroom remodel. They sealed off work areas, used a temporary kitchenette, and scheduled time away during the loudest workdays. “It was inconvenient, but we were able to make decisions quickly, which kept the project on track,” Jason says.
Tips for Living Through a Renovation
Create a Construction-Free Zone: Set up one dust-free area where you can escape the mess.
Establish Clear Work Schedules: Know when crews will arrive and leave to maintain some privacy.
Use Dust Barriers & Air Scrubbers: Proper dust control is essential—contractors should use plastic barriers, HEPA vacuums, and air scrubbers to keep your home as clean as possible.
Protect Your HVAC System: Cover vents and replace filters frequently to prevent dust buildup.
Plan for Noise & Utility Disruptions: Some work requires water or electricity to be shut off temporarily—plan around these interruptions.
Proper Planning & Dust Control Measures
At V&M Construction, we take extra steps to keep your home livable during renovations:
Sealed-off work zones with zippered plastic barriers
Air scrubbers & negative air pressure systems to minimize dust
Daily site cleanups with HEPA-filtered vacuums
Floor and furniture protection to prevent damage
HVAC safety measures to prevent dust circulation, including vent sealing and regular filter changes
Dedicated pathways for workers to reduce tracking dust and debris into clean areas
Advanced scheduling to ensure noisy or disruptive work is planned at convenient times
If you’re considering staying in your home during a renovation, let’s discuss how we can make the process as smooth as possible. Contact V&M Construction for expert guidance and a stress-free renovation experience!
Final Thoughts
While living through a renovation is possible, it requires careful planning and realistic expectations. The key to success is open communication with your contractor, a well-thought-out strategy for dust control and cleanliness, and ensuring your daily routines are minimally disrupted. At V&M Construction, we prioritize your comfort and work diligently to make your renovation experience as stress-free as possible. Whether you choose to stay or move out, we’ll help you every step of the way!
