"We were planning to live upstairs during the project...do you think that's ok?"
This is one of those questions we hear time and again. Our answer is the same every time, but it's not what you want to hear. Between kids, pets, and all the stuff we accumulate, it's daunting to consider packing up everything temporarily, only to pack it all back up to move home.
While it can be done, let's talk about why we so strongly recommend moving out of your house during a remodel, and why it's going to ultimately benefit you, your family, and the speed and quality of your project.
Reason 1: The Mess (obviously)
The filth that occurs when you're demolishing large sections of your house and putting it back together is nothing you've ever experienced. After demo dust settles, the sheetrock dust and sawdust start swirling, followed closely by strong paint and stain smells.
Depending on the length of your project, your remodeler should have a cleaning or two scheduled throughout construction. We use Build Clean air filters on our job sites as well, but even with every precaution taken, if you're living through your remodel, you'll need to clean your floors and wipe down surfaces every night in the space you're living in.
Reason 2: The Interruption
Noise, music, and a revolving front door begin to take a toll on your sanity pretty quickly. Generally beginning at 7am, people will begin arriving at your door so they can do their part to transform your house. They're wonderful, friendly people who do fantastic work. But, having a bunch of extra people in your house making noise isn't fun to live through. While they do their best to be courteous, their first priority is getting their work done, not being quiet while the baby naps.
Reason 3: Inconvenience
Things naturally happen during remodeling...the 3 hours without electricity, the full day the water has to be shut off, the hundreds of mosquitos and hot air being let in the house, no internet--the list is extensive, and all chalk up to be huge inconveniences if you're trying to carry on with life in the midst of it all.
Reason 4: Fatigue
Have you ever had relatives come visit that stayed way too long? That's the sort of fatigue that a remodel can bring on. The constant barrage of people in and out, the noise, smells, dirt, and general chaos of all your stuff being in the wrong place. Add to that the dozens of decisions your decorator is wanting you to make, and it can suddenly feel like a total overload.
What it could be
Moving out of the house not only eases the everyday tension, it also allows you the necessary separation to treat your project as a project, not as your personal space. Having the luxury to come home everyday to an orderly, clean home and think clearly through project decisions keeps you sane and the project enjoyable. On the opposite side, the crews working on your project have the freedom to work without tiptoeing around meal times, kids, pets, and nap times. Often, this alone can cut weeks off the schedule because progress can happen more quickly.
Furnished apartments, airbnb, RV's, or a friend's unused vacation home are all great options to give you somewhere to stay while your home is under construction. The inconvenience of moving will be short lived, and when you look back on your project, you'll be so glad you didn't live through the chaos.
