Deciding whether to live at home or move during a renovation is a difficult decision. The interruption of moving to a new environment, along with the additional expense, is enough for many homeowners to face challenges. Others, however, are eager to get as far away from dust, perforations and distractions as possible. Bettencourt has gone through two renovations of its own and says that being there to address problems as they arise can save time and money.
It's good to communicate with the contractor on a regular basis. Homeowners get into more trouble when they're not there. That's when the time frame and the budget can disappear. If you live somewhere else during a renovation, builders can work in all areas of the property.
However, if you live on-site, they'll work around areas that are used as temporary living spaces, meaning that the time frame from start to finish may be slightly longer. However, if you stay there, you'll save money by renting somewhere else or paying two mortgages. The decision to stay in a home during the kitchen renovation project usually comes down to the cost of finding alternative housing. However, it's worth considering that living on site can increase the cost of your project.
Having to work according to their schedule means that the remodel will take longer and crews will have to do daily cleaning for safety reasons that affect their actual progress. Finding temporary housing is a significant cost that should certainly be factored into your remodeling budget. Your best option for finding a home during a kitchen remodel is a fully furnished apartment with a flexible lease that allows you to stay there for as long as you need. Homeowners who decide to move to temporary housing should consider additional housing expenses beyond the cost of remodeling.
Debbie Weiner, from My Design Solutions, in Silver Spring, Maryland, has just completed two major remodeling projects in which her clients had no choice but to experience what she describes as “the noise of the early morning, garbage bins that break the grass, dust, discomfort, lack of privacy and Hell general that involves major remodeling while living at home.
