Planning a home renovation, but unable to move out? Not to worry – with some thoughtful preparation, you can significantly reduce the disruption and discomfort. Here are our top tips to help you get through a renovation without having to leave your home.
Prepare a detailed plan
Carrying out a renovation in North West London (or anywhere else) without moving out definitely requires perfect planning. Start by creating a detailed timeline for each stage of your project. This should include the scope of work, the timeframe and any temporary utilities or materials you’ll need to be able to function as normal as possible. Make a list of your daily essentials – from kitchen items to toiletries – so you have everything you need to hand, even when parts of your home are out of use. By having a realistic and flexible plan, you can minimise the disruption and stress to a minimum.
Phase the renovation
Phasing the renovation will help you stay on top of things and reduce the risk of chaos. This way. you can create “zones” in your home – areas that are separate from the hustle and bustle of the works in progress. If you’re doing a kitchen extension with skylights or a full bathroom renovation, consider doing one area at a time. Phasing means you can live in rooms that are not affected by the renovation, which helps to maintain some sense of normality. It also minimises the risk of dust or construction debris spreading to the areas where you’ll be living, so you have a cleaner and safer environment during the renovation.
Choose the right time
Timing is everything when it comes to a home renovation. If possible, choose a quiet period – school term when the kids are at school or when you and other household members are at work. If school holidays are your only option, consider sending the kids to stay with grandparents or other family members, especially if the renovation is a big project like full property refurbishment or kitchen remodel. The fewer people in the home during the day, the better the refurbishment company can work and the more comfortable it will be for you.
Hire professionals
Using a reputable refurbishment company or remodelling contractors means your renovation will be done faster and more efficiently. As a result, you will have to spend less time in a disrupted living space. Professionals can do the job quicker and more accurately than DIY and will also reduce the risk of costly mistakes. Reliable contractors can offer advice on how to set up your living space during the renovation. They can also help with temporary amenities, so daily life is more comfortable. Working with an experienced team, especially for big jobs like bathroom renovation or kitchen upgrades, makes the whole experience much more manageable.
Organise temporary living spaces
To maintain some comfort during the renovation, set up a part of your home as a temporary living area. Even if it’s just one room, like the living room, consider separating it into sleeping and living zones to make the most of the space. If the kitchen is being renovated, organise a temporary kitchen area with a small worktop oven, a kettle and a microwave so cooking can still happen. If you have multiple bathrooms, designate one as the household shower and toilet. If not – a portable camp shower could be a temporary option when the weather is good. You can also use nearby facilities like a gym or local friends’ homes for showers.
Minimise the discomfort
Protect your home from dust, noise and other renovation annoyances, and you’ll have a more pleasant environment. Cover furniture and floors with protective sheeting or use plastic curtains to section off the construction area to contain the dust. An air purifier can also help reduce airborne particles. If you’re worried about noise, consider earplugs or headphones to block out the drilling and other loud sounds. Simple daily cleaning of the living areas will keep things tidy and prevent dust buildup. Taking these precautions will keep you as comfortable as possible during this difficult time.
Plan breaks for the family
Renovations can be mentally and physically draining, especially if they go on for weeks. Make an effort to plan family outings or breaks whenever you can. Take the family for a walk in the park, a local movie outing or even a quick weekend away from London. Try scheduling a “no-renovation day” once a week, where everyone can enjoy the house in peace without workers around.
