A man’s (or woman’s) home is their castle. Even when your castle needs a little TLC, we know that you want to be as close as possible to the place you call home. Living onsite during a renovation is completely doable, whether you’re renovating to your own tastes or getting ready to say your final farewells and resell. However, it is important to know what you can expect.
There’s no denying that the hustle and bustle of your renovation project is going to impact your existing lifestyle, so it’s important to make the decision that’s right for you or your family. We’ve taken a look at what you can expect from living onsite during a renovation to make the process as peaceful as it can be.
Adjust your sleeping patterns accordingly
We’d love to say that we like a sleep in as much as anyone. But the truth is that 7am starts are common for renovation projects.
Be kind to yourself during this time and adjust your sleeping patterns where you can to make sure you’re getting the rest you need. Not only will it be near impossible to sleep through the early morning sounds of renovating, but someone will also have to let your tradie friends inside! Remember, an earlier start also means an earlier finish so make use of your quiet time later in the day.
Make peace with dust
Dust and renovations go hand-in-hand and you’re going to be finding it everywhere you go. Even in those rooms that aren’t being touched!
You can avoid some mess by closing doors or encouraging your family to take their shoes off after they’ve gone through the construction area. But you’re not going to be able to control it all. Accepting that your house might be a little messier than usual will save you the mental stress of trying to keep it picture perfect.
Become your own health and safety officer
Keeping your eyes and ears open during any renovation or construction process is critical, whether you’re looking out for yourself or your family. Even after work has finished for the day make sure that you’re wearing the protective clothing you need to go into the renovation zone. Hard hats or no-go zones are particularly important if you’re still in the destruction stages.
Keep your end goal in sight
Diaries, lists, spreadsheets and planning apps can all help you keep track of your renovation plans. Not only that, but they can also help you keep your end goal in sight. Which means that even when renovations are at their most frustrating point, you can remember why you’re doing it all in the first place.
Get out of the house
It’s important to make sure you get some time to yourself when everything is crashing down around you (sometimes quite literally!). Particularly if you’re working from home.
Try taking the time to get out for a walk or go to work in the park for a few hours. Finding ways to get out of the house at least once a day will have huge benefits to your mental health while you’re living onsite during renovations.
Not all extensions/renovations are able to accommodate owners living in during works but many do. Not all builders are happy to accommodate owners while they are doing renovation works but some will. That is all part of the negotiation process.
The trick is not to get in the builders way and help make all selection decisions early and quickly. This will help the builder finish their works more quickly, remember once you sign up on a building contract you are giving the builder complete and unhindered access to complete the works.
So, whilst you may be saving a lot of money and hassle, by not having to move, you are effectively sharing your house with the builder who, in theory, can show up any time to complete the works. No upside without downside.
Have you lived at home during a renovation project? We’d love to hear your top tips for staying sane during renovations below.
