Living Through a Renovation: It Can Be Done

Undergoing a major home renovation, particularly in essential spaces like the kitchen or primary bathroom, can be an exciting AND challenging experience. While the result will undoubtedly enhance your home’s functionality and aesthetic appeal, the process itself will disrupt your daily routine.

Proper planning can help minimize stress and ensure a smoother transition during the construction phase.

Here’s some things you need to consider when preparing to live through a kitchen or primary bathroom renovation.

Understanding Temporary Amenity Limitations

Before your renovation begins, it’s crucial to assess which amenities will be unavailable and how you’ll compensate for them during the project.

For a Kitchen Renovation:

• Cooking and Meal Prep: Without a functional kitchen, preparing meals can be difficult. Consider setting up a temporary kitchen in another part of your home with a microwave, toaster oven, coffee maker, and mini-fridge. Some homeowners also use slow cookers or outdoor grills to maintain some level of home cooking.

• Dish washing: Without a sink or dishwasher, you’ll need an alternative method for cleaning dishes. Disposable plates and utensils can help, or you may opt to wash dishes in a utility sink or bathroom.

• Food Storage: If your refrigerator is being replaced or relocated, ensure you have a backup for storing perishable food, such as a garage or basement fridge.

For a Primary Bathroom Renovation:

• Showering and Toiletries: If your primary bathroom is under construction, you’ll need access to another shower. If your home has multiple bathrooms, designate an alternative one for use. If not, consider a gym membership or staying with family or friends during key phases of construction.

• Daily Routines: Lack of a double vanity or makeup area can make morning and evening routines more difficult. Set up a temporary grooming station elsewhere in the home.

• Laundry Access: If your bathroom renovation affects nearby laundry facilities, make arrangements for offsite laundry services or visits to a laundromat.

Considering Temporary Housing Options

Depending on the scope and timeline of your renovation, you may find that staying in your home during construction is impractical. If dust, noise, and lack of essential facilities become overwhelming, exploring temporary housing options could be beneficial:

• Short-Term Rentals: Platforms like Airbnb or VRBO offer furnished rentals for short stays, providing the convenience of a fully functioning kitchen and bathroom.

• Extended-Stay Hotels: These are great for longer projects, as they offer in-room kitchenettes and on-site laundry services.

• Family or Friends: If you have a support network nearby, staying with family or friends can provide comfort and cost savings.

Working with a Contractor Who Offers Concierge Services

A key factor in successfully navigating a renovation is choosing the right contractor. Some high-end residential contractors offer concierge services, which can make the experience much more manageable. These services may include:

• Assistance in Finding Short-Term Rentals: A well-connected contractor can provide recommendations for temporary housing that suit your budget and needs.

• On-Site Project Management: If you choose to stay in your home, a contractor with strong project management can help minimize disruptions and keep the project on schedule.

• Daily Cleanup Services: Dust and debris can spread throughout your home. A contractor offering professional cleaning as part of their services can help maintain a livable environment.

• Flexible Work Schedules: Some contractors offer scheduling accommodations, such as working around your daily routine or temporarily restoring partial functionality when possible.

Final Thoughts

Living through a kitchen or primary bathroom renovation requires careful planning and flexibility, but the right approach can make the process more manageable. Understanding temporary amenity limitations, exploring housing alternatives, and working with a contractor who offers concierge services can significantly ease the burden. With the proper preparation, you can navigate the renovation process smoothly and look forward to enjoying your newly transformed space.