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How to Survive Living in Your Home During a Major Remodel


Residential Demo - How to Survive


Living in your home during a major remodel can be challenging, but it’s entirely possible to make the experience smoother with some thoughtful planning. From kitchen overhauls to whole-home renovations, navigating the dust, noise, and disruptions takes patience, creativity, and a few smart strategies.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to manage life at home during a major remodel and keep your sanity intact.

1. Plan Ahead: Set Up Temporary Spaces

If key areas like the kitchen or bathroom are being remodeled, it’s essential to create temporary spaces for daily activities. Here are some ideas for setting up makeshift areas:

  • Temporary Kitchen: Move essentials like a microwave, toaster, and coffee maker to another room. Set up a folding table as a food prep area and use disposable dishware when possible.

  • Bathroom Alternative: If your main bathroom is under construction, coordinate shower and sink schedules with family members. Consider joining a local gym for quick showers if you’re down to one bathroom.

  • Closet Storage: Pack up clothes, shoes, and accessories from any rooms that will be under construction. Use rolling racks or spare closets in other rooms to keep your items accessible.

With these temporary spaces in place, you’ll still have the basics of daily life covered while construction is underway.

2. Protect Your Belongings and Declutter

Before any remodeling work begins, clear out the construction zones. Move valuable items, furniture, and anything that might be damaged by dust, debris, or movement.

  • Cover and Seal: Cover remaining furniture with plastic sheets, and use painter’s tape to seal off any doors and vents that lead to other rooms. This will help control the spread of dust.

  • Declutter for Convenience: Pack up and store things you won’t need access to during the remodel. For items you’ll still need, like clothes or toiletries, try to store them in easy-to-access locations.

Keeping the construction area clear and minimizing clutter throughout your home will help you avoid unnecessary frustration and protect your belongings.

3. Create a Daily Routine and Set Boundaries

Remodeling projects can be unpredictable, but having a daily routine can restore some normalcy. Try to keep mealtimes, exercise, and other routines consistent. Here’s how:

  • Establish Clear Work Hours: Discuss daily start and end times with your contractor so you know when you’ll have the most peace and quiet.

  • Plan Around the Noise: Try to schedule quiet, focused tasks for times when work isn’t happening. If you’re working from home, plan important calls or meetings during less disruptive hours.

  • Communicate Boundaries: Be clear with contractors about which parts of the home are off-limits and designate an entry or exit for construction crews. This will prevent unnecessary traffic in non-construction areas.

A steady routine will help you feel more in control, and establishing boundaries can reduce disruptions and keep you comfortable.

4. Consider Using Portable Storage Solutions

If your remodel requires extensive space or limits access to certain rooms, consider renting a portable storage unit. These can be placed on your property, giving you a secure and accessible space for items during the renovation. A storage unit can make moving around easier in smaller homes and help prevent clutter from taking over essential living areas.

5. Keep Dust and Air Quality in Check

Construction work can create a lot of dust, which affects air quality and can even cause respiratory issues. Here are some tips to control it:

  • Use Air Purifiers: Place an air purifier near construction zones to help trap dust and improve indoor air quality.

  • Isolate Work Areas: Ask contractors to hang plastic sheets or tarps in doorways to keep dust contained. They can also use fans to vent dust outdoors when possible.

  • Regular Cleaning: Sweep and vacuum regularly, and consider using a HEPA-filter vacuum for best results. A quick daily clean-up of major areas helps maintain a livable space.

Staying on top of dust and debris will make your home feel fresher and reduce the health impact on everyone in the household.

6. Stay Flexible and Expect the Unexpected

Every remodel has its share of unexpected delays and changes. Keeping a flexible mindset will help you adjust more easily to shifting timelines or issues that arise. Remember, a good contractor will keep you informed and manage challenges as they come up, so keep the lines of communication open.

In the meantime:

  • Have a Backup Plan: If the project is delayed, consider alternative plans for temporary housing, whether that’s staying with family or friends or booking a short-term rental.

  • Keep Essentials on Hand: Maintain easy access to items you use daily in case areas of your home become unexpectedly inaccessible for short periods.

Being adaptable during the remodel will help you maintain peace of mind and avoid added stress.

7. Prioritize Self-Care and Take Breaks

Remodeling can feel chaotic and exhausting, so don’t forget to take time for yourself. Plan outings, especially during particularly noisy or intense construction days, and treat yourself to some time outside the home.

  • Plan Daily Outings: If construction noise is especially loud, plan short trips to the park, library, or even a café to get some peace.

  • Create a Comfort Zone: Dedicate one room in the house as your construction-free sanctuary. Keep it tidy, stocked with comforts, and use it as a space to unwind.

  • Treat Yourself: Small gestures like getting takeout, buying flowers, or having a relaxing evening routine can go a long way in keeping stress levels down.

Staying balanced and taking breaks from the home will help you feel refreshed, which is essential during a remodel.

8. Keep the Big Picture in Mind

Finally, remember why you started this journey! Living in a construction zone isn’t easy, but the reward is a beautifully renovated home that meets your needs and adds value to your property.

Take progress photos to remind yourself of the progress being made. It can be motivating to see how far the project has come, even if the end feels a long way off. Embrace the small wins, and focus on the result rather than the day-to-day inconveniences.

Surviving a remodel in your home requires patience, flexibility, and some creative adjustments to your lifestyle. By setting up temporary spaces, protecting your belongings, and staying mindful of your well-being, you can get through the process more comfortably. Keep communicating with your contractor, take breaks when needed, and remember the beautiful space you’ll soon enjoy.

At M.T.McCaw, we understand the challenges of remodeling and work closely with our clients to minimize disruptions and create a smooth experience from start to finish. If you’re planning a remodel and need guidance on how to manage it while staying in your home, feel free to reach out!

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