5 Tips For Living In Your Home During A Remodel

After nine years of living in our home we’ve been steadily outgrowing since day one, we’ve decided to take the plunge and look into doing an addition.

I’ve been scheduling contractors – a feat unto itself – to come out, look at our project and give us bids on what it would cost to turn the home we love into the home we love and need.

Friends who have taken on this type of project before have warned me about the time, expense and the headache involved in such an endeavor. I’ve also read up on what to expect and how to live through a remodel when you have young children.

So how do you stay sane and continue to raise your family while your house is under construction? Below are some tips:

1. Set up space to live. Obviously, you’ll need a place to prepare food, use the bathroom, sleep, do homework, check emails and pay bills. Crock pots, toaster ovens, griddles, outdoor grills, portable coffee makers and utility sinks are ideal for your makeshift kitchen. You’ll still need a place to wash pots and pans even if you’re using paper plates and utensils, so a sink in your laundry room or an extra bathroom are great options.

2. Protect your space from dust. I should say protect the space from dust as much as possible. There’s no way you’re temporary living space will be completely unaffected by all the renovation activity, but a plastic barrier between the workspace and your living space will help. Also seal off any ducts or vents in the area, and keep your workspaces clean by vacuuming regularly.

3. Protect your little ones. Make it clear to your contractor or remodel team that safety is a priority, as your children will be living in the home. Ultimately, however, it’s up to you and your spouse to manage your children’s prying eyes (and hands.) Set ground rules for your kids, and be prepared to enforce those rules. If possible, keep your living space as far from potential safety hazards as possible, and be on high alert for the duration of the project.