How to live alongside renovation work

Whether you move out or stay put during major building work, navigating a home renovation can be challenging. Sure, we’re talking first-world problems, but living among construction work is not easy.

However, with some forward planning and forewarning, the whole experience can be made more pleasant. Whether you’re planning a home extension, conversion, or renovation, our expert advice will help to dial down your stress levels!

Planning your home renovation

The most important part of any home improvement project is finding the right team for the job. For a home extension or conversion this could include surveyors, architects, interior designers, and of course, builders.

Finding trades you can rely on to capture your vision for your home and carry out the work to the highest standard is key.

Our Hiring Advice Guide shows you how you can find the best professionals for your job, gives you the low down on contractual agreements and advice on paying deposits.

Request a quote

We recommend getting at least three quotes for your building work and comparing these like-for-like. Beware of cheap building quotes – they might not include everything you need them to.

Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll pass your request on to approved trades in your area. All our members are checked and approved, so you know you’re dealing with the best! Send a request for quotes now.

Plan your budget

Regardless of how much you’re able to invest in your renovation, setting a budget is essential. This will help you control and forecast costs and keep the project on track.

Factor in a contingency fund of at least 10% to cover unforeseen costs, and keep tabs on your expenditure on a spreadsheet.

To help you budget, search our homeowner blog for a selection of handy cost guides.

Request a schedule of works

Ask your builder for a schedule of works. This outlines what’s happening and when so you can prepare for the more disruptive parts of the project.

This is especially important if you have young children or pets. When walls are coming down, floors are being laid, or utilities are out of action, it might be easier to temporarily move out or decamp to a friend or relative’s house.

Make choices early on and stick to them

Create a project plan that lists all the decisions you need to make for every aspect of the build. We’re talking every detail of every room.

If work has to stop while you contemplate design decisions or order last-minute add-ons, your budget and timeline will extend.

Make decisions at the start of the project and try to avoid changes, as these, too, will cause delays and potentially costly rework.

For example, for a bathroom renovation, choose and order your sanitaryware, tiles, fixtures, and fittings in advance. Decide on the layout, the position of light switches and sockets, the colour grout you desire, and your paint colours. An experienced builder will be able to provide expert guidance.

Timing

As unpredictable as the UK weather is, try to avoid building work that’ll leave your home exposed to the elements during winter.

Planning a renovation during warmer, drier weather will be less messy and gives you the option to find some occasional respite in the garden.

Before your project gets underway

By this stage, you’ve selected your A-Team, you’ve become a master of spreadsheets, and you’ve got a firm handle on your budget. Now to prepare for action!

Storage

Do not underestimate the benefit of well-planned storage before your build gets underway.

• Pack away all non-essential items in storage boxes and label them clearly – building dust gets everywhere!
• Keep day-to-day items such as cutlery and crockery in large, transparent storage boxes (with lids to keep the building dust out!)
• Declutter your belongings – sell, donate, or dispose of items you no longer want or need
• Consider a storage facility if space at home is limited
• Create a dedicated space to store deliveries before they’re installed, e.g. kitchen units or bathroom sanitaryware. A garage is ideal for this

Prepare for dust

Talk to anyone who’s lived through a home renovation project and they’ll mention the dust!

Despite best efforts, construction dust gets everywhere, especially during the demolition phase. As well as packing up your belongings into storage boxes, how else can you protect your home (and your sanity)?

• Lay dust sheets and plastic wrap to protect your floors and carpets from building dust and debris, and muddy boots
• Any large items of furniture that cannot be moved should also be protected with plastic wrap
• Ask your builder to seal off the rooms where work is being done to limit the spread of dust around the rest of your home
• Keep an inexpensive vacuum cleaner to hand – one that’s capable of hoovering up small bits of rubble

Plan for day-to-day living

Create a sanctuary

Keep one room free of mess and dirt. A space where you and your family can relax at the end of the day and not be surrounded by building work. Keep the door to this room shut at all times to limit the amount of dust that enters.

This room might be multifunctional, with a camping stove or microwave, a temporary sink, and a plumbed washing machine!

Ask your building team what they suggest – remember, this won’t be the first time they’ve done this!

Tip: If you’re really organised, batch-cook some meals in advance that can be frozen and reheated in the microwave for dinner. Of course, stock up on takeaway menus too!

Remember your basic needs!

If you’re living at home during a construction project, keep your bathroom functional for as long as possible so you can use the toilet and sink at the very least.

Create boundaries

Your building team will be in your home for months, day after day. Keep the relationship harmonious by setting boundaries early on. Create a designated area for your builders to make a cup of tea – keep the biscuit tin topped up for extra brownie points! And to help maintain privacy, hire a portable toilet for your construction team!

During the building works

Have clear communication

To help your project run smoothly and avoid misunderstandings, communicate to your main contractor through one person. Typically, this will either be you, a spouse, or a project manager (if you choose to employ one).

If you make changes to your initial plan, make sure they’re documented in writing.

This helps to avoid any ambiguity, which can sometimes lead to problems and disagreements.

Make regular site inspections

One key benefit of living on site during your renovation is you can regularly check in on project progress and make sure you’re happy with the standard of work being done. It’s also helpful to be available to discuss any key decisions with the contractors.

Your contractor should be happy to arrange progress meetings on a regular basis throughout the renovation – the start or end of the day is usually best.

Keep on top of rubbish

Your builder should stay on top of the worst of the debris, bagging it up for disposal, but check this with them. It’ll soon mount up alongside the empty boxes from new appliances, etc, so it’s worth keeping on top of the rubbish and recycling.

Tip: If skip hire is needed, check whether this is included in your contractor’s quote.

Schedule time out

It’s important to carve out some time away from the project every now and again if possible, to unwind and recharge. An evening at the cinema, a day trip to a spa, or a weekend at a friend’s house could be just the tonic to keep you energised throughout the project.

Remember why you’re doing this

A renovation project can take its toll, and it’s not uncommon to go through periods of feeling tired, overwhelmed, or fed up. However, don’t lose sight of the dream you have for your home and why you started the renovation project in the first place. It will be worth it in the long run!

Find reliable and experienced builders for your home renovation

We hope you now feel more confident about embarking on your home renovation project and have some tips under your belt to help the process run as smoothly as possible.

One final thing – to find a team of experienced professionals you can trust, don’t forget to search on Checkatrade. Simply enter your postcode below to get started. All the best with your renovation!