Embarking on a major renovation will change your home and your life. While you’re planning new countertops, cabinetry, and flooring, you may wonder: is it possible to remodel a house without moving out? Good news: remodeling your home without moving out is quite common! However, living through a remodel comes with its own set of questions and expectations.
If you’re curious how to remodel a home without moving out, start by creating a realistic project timeline. Working with your contractor to schedule plumbing, electrical, framing, demolition, and construction will help you plan for temporary changes during construction.
Although every remodeling project is unique, many whole home renovations, kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, and room additions can be performed with you living on-site. To successfully stay in your home during construction, you’ll need to plan accordingly, communicate with your contractor, and set expectations for living through a brief period of inconvenience.
Is It Possible To Remodel Without Moving Out?
Yes, in most cases.
Many homeowners stay in their homes during kitchen remodeling, bathroom updates, flooring replacements, room additions, and more. In certain situations where your utilities may be turned off for days or entire living spaces will be torn apart, contractors may recommend finding temporary housing. For the most part, whether you choose to stay or go depends on:
- How extensive the renovation is
- What rooms are being worked on
- How many people live in the home
- Do you have children or pets?
- How well do you handle mess and noise?
Many families believe the cost of living elsewhere during construction exceeds the minor inconvenience of living on a job site. Of course, if you do choose to relocate during your project, we can help. Here’s how to remodel a house while staying somewhere else.
Remodel Timeline: Living at Home
Below is a timeline for remodeling:
Planning Phase: 2–6 Weeks
Your remodel starts long before construction begins. During the planning phase, you’ll meet with your contractor to discuss your goals and vision, select materials and finishes, finalize your design plans, and schedule your project. The planning process can take anywhere from two weeks to six weeks or more.
Discussing your living arrangement is crucial during the planning phase. A professional contractor will let you know which spaces may be inaccessible during construction and how they plan to phase the work. Important questions to consider are:
- Will you lose water or electricity? If so, for how long?
- What rooms will be accessible?
- Is there a way to stage the project?
- What safety measures will be put in place?
Trying to anticipate these questions now will help you later.
Week 1–2: Demolition and Prep Work
Demolition is where the bulk of “unpacking” takes place. Existing cabinets may be torn out, countertops smashed, appliances disconnected, floors covered with tarps or removed entirely, and more. Walls may be opened up to move plumbing or add new wiring.
If you’ve chosen to stay in your home during construction, you can expect:
- Loud noises while workers are on-site (typically during regular working hours)
- Loss of access to certain rooms in your home
- Dust everywhere (even with tarps and containment)
- Construction crews coming and going throughout the day
Depending on the size of your project, this stage can feel like chaos. However, it doesn’t last long! Demolition is typically the shortest phase.
Week 3–6: Structural Work and “Rough” Construction
Once demolition is complete, contractors will begin rebuilding.
“Rough” construction varies by project but may include:
- Framing
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- HVAC
- Insulation
Homeowners typically experience fewer interruptions to their daily routine during this phase. Although some temporary utility shut-offs may be required.
Week 6–10: Installation and Finish Work
The fun part begins! Walls go up, floors are laid, and cabinets get installed. You’ll see your project come together and start to feel like home again.
Installations may include:
- Drywall
- Painting
- Floors
- Cabinets
- Countertops
- Tile work
- Trim / Molding
For most homeowners, this is the easiest stage to live through. Rooms are taken back one at a time, and the chaos has begun to settle.
Week 10–12+: Final Details and Project Completion
Finally, the finishing touches are made. Fixtures are installed, appliances are plugged in, and final walk-throughs are complete.
Homeowners usually have normal access to their home during this stage. Your contractor will complete the punch list items and conduct final inspections.
Of course, every remodelling project varies, but many medium-sized projects fall within the 8- to 12-week range.
Larger whole home renovations can take significantly longer than 12 weeks.
Tips For Remodeling Your Home Without Moving Out
Knowing how to live in your home during a remodel will make all the difference! Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Plan for temporary meals and areas. If your kitchen is out of commission, plan to set up a temporary meal station complete with a microwave, coffee maker, mini fridge, and disposable utensils. You’ll feel comfortable eating if you have the space to prepare simple meals.
Prepare your home (and belongings) for construction. If certain areas of your home won’t be impacted by construction, protect your belongings ahead of time. Cover furniture, move fragile items to another room, and store valuable items in a safe location.
Communicate with your contractor. Ask your contractor what to expect the following week. Knowing if you’ll lose water or electricity for a few hours will help you plan. Construction will be louder on days when deliveries are expected, or major wall demolition is taking place.
Be prepared for noise. Construction is loud… and amazing! If you have to work from home, you may want to find an alternative space for the busiest construction weeks.
Be mindful of little ones. If you have children or pets, make sure they know where they can and cannot go. It may be helpful to rope off construction zones to prevent any injuries.
Examples of When You Should Move Out During Construction
While many homeowners can stay in their home during a remodel, there are times when finding a place to live during construction is a better solution.
Here are some scenarios when moving out makes the most sense:
- Whole home remodels/gut renovations
- Extensive structural changes
- Projects that involve your house being lived in
- Multiple rooms being inaccessible at once
If your kitchen, all bathrooms, and living spaces will be torn apart at the same time, moving out might be less stressful.
Ultimately, a professional contractor can guide you towards the best decision for your family.
Choose the Right Contractor For Your Project
Here’s the secret to how to remodel a home and live in it: Hire an experienced contractor!
A good contractor knows how to pace a project to minimize inconvenience, keep the job site clean, communicate the weekly plan, and allow you to live relatively normally throughout the construction process. When you partner with an experienced remodeling company, your renovation should run smoothly and stay on schedule. Plus, life won’t be quite as hard living on a job site!
When you choose the right contractor, that passion and experience will shine through during your remodel.
Ready To Remodel? Start Here!
Now that you know how long it takes to remodel a house without moving out, you’re one step closer to choosing your dream renovations!
Remember that open communication with your contractor and setting realistic expectations can help you live normally throughout your project. At Turning Point Home Solutions, we pride ourselves on providing realistic remodel estimates, scheduling timelines, and answering all of your remodeling questions. Contact us today to get started on your renovation project!
