Should I Live On-site During My Kitchen Renovation?
If you’re weighing up whether to stay put or ship out during your project, this expert guide is a must-read
A kitchen renovation is one of the biggest single home projects you may tackle. It’s rarely a quick job and it takes away the room in your home you probably use the most, potentially leaving you to live on microwave meals and do your washing-up in the bath. However, budget-wise, staying at home is the only option for many of us.
Here, three experts weigh up the pros and cons of living in or moving elsewhere, as well as providing invaluable tips on how you can make it work if you do opt to stay at home.
Professional advice from: Charles Elwell of Kitchens By Holloways; Gemma Fabbri of Studio Fabbri; Angela Weate of The Long Hill Design Company
Here, three experts weigh up the pros and cons of living in or moving elsewhere, as well as providing invaluable tips on how you can make it work if you do opt to stay at home.
Professional advice from: Charles Elwell of Kitchens By Holloways; Gemma Fabbri of Studio Fabbri; Angela Weate of The Long Hill Design Company
What are the pros of living in during your kitchen project?
There are numerous benefits to staying put. If you move out, unless you have benevolent friends or family with space for you, rent and bills for a second home will significantly impact your build budget.
If you’re on site, you get to stay up-to-date with the project and ensure it’s running smoothly. “You have the opportunity to develop a good relationship with the build team and are available to answer contractor questions on the spot,” Gemma says. “And you’ll be able to notice potential issues before they’ve gone too far.”
Your house, in theory, will be more secure, because it’s not being left empty, and you’ll be aware when contractors are turning up and if things are falling behind schedule. There’s also the potential for keeping neighbours on side, as you’re there to address any issues straight away.
You could compromise, going away for a part of the works. “Some people do a large renovation over the summer so they can go on holiday during the most disruptive stage of the build,” Gemma says. Discuss stages with your pro – but be prepared for schedules to shift.
Browse design and build companies in your area in the Houzz Professionals Directory.
There are numerous benefits to staying put. If you move out, unless you have benevolent friends or family with space for you, rent and bills for a second home will significantly impact your build budget.
If you’re on site, you get to stay up-to-date with the project and ensure it’s running smoothly. “You have the opportunity to develop a good relationship with the build team and are available to answer contractor questions on the spot,” Gemma says. “And you’ll be able to notice potential issues before they’ve gone too far.”
Your house, in theory, will be more secure, because it’s not being left empty, and you’ll be aware when contractors are turning up and if things are falling behind schedule. There’s also the potential for keeping neighbours on side, as you’re there to address any issues straight away.
You could compromise, going away for a part of the works. “Some people do a large renovation over the summer so they can go on holiday during the most disruptive stage of the build,” Gemma says. Discuss stages with your pro – but be prepared for schedules to shift.
Browse design and build companies in your area in the Houzz Professionals Directory.
What are the downsides of staying put?
“The biggest issue,” Charles says, “is that, if you’ve never lived through a renovation before, you have no idea what it will be like. Walls are down, floors are removed… It’s not pretty. This is the room the whole family probably uses more than any other and suddenly it’s not there.”
Gemma, who lived at home with her family while having her kitchen renovated recently, says, “You won’t have a kitchen for a couple of months and often this means laundry appliances, too. There will be lots of noise and it can be difficult with pets or children to consider. If you live in a terraced house with no side or rear access, then it also means the builders, dirt and dust will all come through the house.”
Living out will also provide a little sense of space between you and the contractor – “particularly on the difficult days, of which there are always some,” Gemma adds. “It can be stressful.”
As Charles has already mentioned, your presence on site may even slow down the rate of work. If you’re not there – so, for example, the contractor doesn’t need to make considerations to keep the boiler functioning – they can go ahead and strip out the whole space or knock through walls as soon as they start, and come in at weekends or stay late if needed.
Also, Charles adds, whichever room you’ve ended up using as your kitchen space will need redecorating, so you’ll have to factor in that additional cost, too.
“The biggest issue,” Charles says, “is that, if you’ve never lived through a renovation before, you have no idea what it will be like. Walls are down, floors are removed… It’s not pretty. This is the room the whole family probably uses more than any other and suddenly it’s not there.”
Gemma, who lived at home with her family while having her kitchen renovated recently, says, “You won’t have a kitchen for a couple of months and often this means laundry appliances, too. There will be lots of noise and it can be difficult with pets or children to consider. If you live in a terraced house with no side or rear access, then it also means the builders, dirt and dust will all come through the house.”
Living out will also provide a little sense of space between you and the contractor – “particularly on the difficult days, of which there are always some,” Gemma adds. “It can be stressful.”
As Charles has already mentioned, your presence on site may even slow down the rate of work. If you’re not there – so, for example, the contractor doesn’t need to make considerations to keep the boiler functioning – they can go ahead and strip out the whole space or knock through walls as soon as they start, and come in at weekends or stay late if needed.
Also, Charles adds, whichever room you’ve ended up using as your kitchen space will need redecorating, so you’ll have to factor in that additional cost, too.
If you decide to move out…
Living off-site doesn’t mean you have to feel out of touch with what’s happening to your house.
Discuss the management process and a potential schedule early on with your professional. For example, if your contractor or designer uses a management software tool such as Houzz Pro, they can share daily updates on a client dashboard, so you’ll know exactly where you are. Rather than scrabbling through emails and texts, all communication can be in the same place.
Arrange weekly site meetings with, ideally, a project manager. Charles underlines the importance of observing a chain of command. “We tell all our contractors that, rather than going direct to the client, issues should go to the foreman and then to the project manager, who is the bridge between design, the builder and the client. Changes and decisions need to be made with all parties aware, so if client and labour are talking, it can lead to complications and rushed decisions.”
You may not have a project manager, but do think carefully before taking on this huge job yourself. Design and build companies will typically build project management into their fees; interior designers and architects may offer the service for a fee, or you can hire a standalone project manager.
More: What Happens When You Hire a Project Manager for Your Renovation?
Living off-site doesn’t mean you have to feel out of touch with what’s happening to your house.
Discuss the management process and a potential schedule early on with your professional. For example, if your contractor or designer uses a management software tool such as Houzz Pro, they can share daily updates on a client dashboard, so you’ll know exactly where you are. Rather than scrabbling through emails and texts, all communication can be in the same place.
Arrange weekly site meetings with, ideally, a project manager. Charles underlines the importance of observing a chain of command. “We tell all our contractors that, rather than going direct to the client, issues should go to the foreman and then to the project manager, who is the bridge between design, the builder and the client. Changes and decisions need to be made with all parties aware, so if client and labour are talking, it can lead to complications and rushed decisions.”
You may not have a project manager, but do think carefully before taking on this huge job yourself. Design and build companies will typically build project management into their fees; interior designers and architects may offer the service for a fee, or you can hire a standalone project manager.
More: What Happens When You Hire a Project Manager for Your Renovation?
If you decide to stay put…
Most of us won’t have the budget to move out entirely for the duration. This can work fine, but it requires good planning.
Get your professional involved in your decision. “Talk through the practicalities of living in during the build,” Gemma says. “Decide on a space that you can relocate to, either another ground floor room away from the build, or perhaps a spare room or a loft room, and ask the contractor to set up a temporary kitchen for you.
“Agree a set of rules and boundaries, so you can maintain your privacy,” she continues. “For example, that they knock at the door when they arrive and don’t automatically let themselves in. Consider paying extra for a Portaloo.”
Charles adds, “Find out what their working hours and days are. Outline all this in advance. Miscommunication is what causes problems.”
It’s easy to follow the progress of a project if your contractor uses Houzz Pro software, which tracks everything from timelines to messages and floor plans in one place.
Most of us won’t have the budget to move out entirely for the duration. This can work fine, but it requires good planning.
Get your professional involved in your decision. “Talk through the practicalities of living in during the build,” Gemma says. “Decide on a space that you can relocate to, either another ground floor room away from the build, or perhaps a spare room or a loft room, and ask the contractor to set up a temporary kitchen for you.
“Agree a set of rules and boundaries, so you can maintain your privacy,” she continues. “For example, that they knock at the door when they arrive and don’t automatically let themselves in. Consider paying extra for a Portaloo.”
Charles adds, “Find out what their working hours and days are. Outline all this in advance. Miscommunication is what causes problems.”
It’s easy to follow the progress of a project if your contractor uses Houzz Pro software, which tracks everything from timelines to messages and floor plans in one place.
What does a temporary kitchen involve?
There are different levels of temporary kitchen. As a basic, you could set up a folding table or two with a microwave, toaster, kettle, and, if possible, a two-ring hot plate, a cheap one of which can be picked up for around £50.
If you don’t have tables, consider using old cabinets. “You might be able to relocate some of the existing kitchen units into the temporary kitchen space,” Gemma says. Some worktop will be needed, too, and a table and chairs if there’s room.
Gemma describes how she created this space in her own home during its renovation. “We turned our spare bedroom into a temporary kitchen, dining space and lounge. We used a washing-up bowl with a drainer plug to wash up in the bath and a draining board that fits over it,” she says. “Our local launderette collected our laundry and delivered it back to us washed, dried and pressed, which is a luxury. At weekends, we would maybe visit a family member and take our laundry with us.”
If it’s possible in your property, see whether you can get your washing machine and a sink plumbed in. If you have space near the old kitchen – but separate from the build – this can work. Upstairs next to a bathroom may also be a possibility, with a temporary hole made in a wall to link up pipes.
At the pricier end of the scale, you could create a kitchen outside, on your driveway or in your garden. “There are companies who’ll bring a pop-up kitchen on wheels,” Charles says. “But you need somewhere to park it, so it’s not available to everyone.”
You could also look at a Bake Off-style tent or gazebo. “One client literally used their camping stuff,” Charles recalls.
There are different levels of temporary kitchen. As a basic, you could set up a folding table or two with a microwave, toaster, kettle, and, if possible, a two-ring hot plate, a cheap one of which can be picked up for around £50.
If you don’t have tables, consider using old cabinets. “You might be able to relocate some of the existing kitchen units into the temporary kitchen space,” Gemma says. Some worktop will be needed, too, and a table and chairs if there’s room.
Gemma describes how she created this space in her own home during its renovation. “We turned our spare bedroom into a temporary kitchen, dining space and lounge. We used a washing-up bowl with a drainer plug to wash up in the bath and a draining board that fits over it,” she says. “Our local launderette collected our laundry and delivered it back to us washed, dried and pressed, which is a luxury. At weekends, we would maybe visit a family member and take our laundry with us.”
If it’s possible in your property, see whether you can get your washing machine and a sink plumbed in. If you have space near the old kitchen – but separate from the build – this can work. Upstairs next to a bathroom may also be a possibility, with a temporary hole made in a wall to link up pipes.
At the pricier end of the scale, you could create a kitchen outside, on your driveway or in your garden. “There are companies who’ll bring a pop-up kitchen on wheels,” Charles says. “But you need somewhere to park it, so it’s not available to everyone.”
You could also look at a Bake Off-style tent or gazebo. “One client literally used their camping stuff,” Charles recalls.
What are the kitchen essentials you shouldn’t pack away?
“Wherever possible, we attempt to provide temporary equipment,” Angela says. “A simple essentials list includes a kettle, toaster, coffee-maker if you have one and sufficient cups, plates, bowls and cutlery.” You will also need pots and pans, a chopping board and knives. “Try to keep these to a minimum, as you won’t have much space,” Gemma says. A microwave is another staple. “Some of my clients are big fans of air fryers, too,” she says.
“Plan the kinds of meals you’re going to eat at home for the next few months – and be prepared to eat lots of takeaways,” she says. “It’s good to keep it simple and choose to have meals that don’t use up too much equipment and space to prepare and cook. And wash up after each meal to avoid the clutter of dirty crockery.”
“Wherever possible, we attempt to provide temporary equipment,” Angela says. “A simple essentials list includes a kettle, toaster, coffee-maker if you have one and sufficient cups, plates, bowls and cutlery.” You will also need pots and pans, a chopping board and knives. “Try to keep these to a minimum, as you won’t have much space,” Gemma says. A microwave is another staple. “Some of my clients are big fans of air fryers, too,” she says.
“Plan the kinds of meals you’re going to eat at home for the next few months – and be prepared to eat lots of takeaways,” she says. “It’s good to keep it simple and choose to have meals that don’t use up too much equipment and space to prepare and cook. And wash up after each meal to avoid the clutter of dirty crockery.”
What about children and pets?
For children, safety needs to be considered. Gemma advises asking the builders to be aware of this when they’re clearing up at the end of the day. “Ensure all the tools or potentially hazardous objects are put away and the area is made safe. Do not allow the children to play on the building site or in any of the rooms being renovated, and ensure the temporary living space is safe and uncluttered, so they have freedom to play there.”
Pets should also be taken into account. “The noise of the work can be frightening for animals,” Gemma says. “If you have someone who can look after them during the build, you should definitely consider this. Take your dog to your place of work during the day if you can. Make a safe space away from the noise where they can have calm. For outdoor cats, consider having a litter tray during the course of the build and, if possible, perhaps get a temporary cat flap made in a position away from the main building work.”
For children, safety needs to be considered. Gemma advises asking the builders to be aware of this when they’re clearing up at the end of the day. “Ensure all the tools or potentially hazardous objects are put away and the area is made safe. Do not allow the children to play on the building site or in any of the rooms being renovated, and ensure the temporary living space is safe and uncluttered, so they have freedom to play there.”
Pets should also be taken into account. “The noise of the work can be frightening for animals,” Gemma says. “If you have someone who can look after them during the build, you should definitely consider this. Take your dog to your place of work during the day if you can. Make a safe space away from the noise where they can have calm. For outdoor cats, consider having a litter tray during the course of the build and, if possible, perhaps get a temporary cat flap made in a position away from the main building work.”
Any security precautions?
“Research your contractor before you commission them for the build,” Gemma says. “Ask for their plans to keep your home secure during the renovation. Make sure your contractor and any subcontractors are correctly insured. You should also contact your home insurance provider to let them know that renovations are taking place; they may ask to see proof of your builder’s insurance cover.”
If you’re living off-site, it may be sensible to consider some extra precautions. “Some people install security systems or motion sensors when they’re living off-site,” Gemma says. “You should store valuables off-site if possible and request that the builders use high-security locks on any areas that will need closing up overnight. It’s also sensible to change the locks once the build is complete.”
More: How to Hire the Right Builder for Your Project
“Research your contractor before you commission them for the build,” Gemma says. “Ask for their plans to keep your home secure during the renovation. Make sure your contractor and any subcontractors are correctly insured. You should also contact your home insurance provider to let them know that renovations are taking place; they may ask to see proof of your builder’s insurance cover.”
If you’re living off-site, it may be sensible to consider some extra precautions. “Some people install security systems or motion sensors when they’re living off-site,” Gemma says. “You should store valuables off-site if possible and request that the builders use high-security locks on any areas that will need closing up overnight. It’s also sensible to change the locks once the build is complete.”
More: How to Hire the Right Builder for Your Project
Is it possible to keep the rest of your home dust-free?
Although there will be constant dust – and particularly at the demolition stage – it can be possible to maintain a reasonably dust-free living zone.
Charles says they’ll often block off the stairwell entirely with a solid wall to keep the works separate to the rest of the house.
To get in and out of the “clean” part of the house, Gemma advises using plastic sheeting with zipper doorways to keep dust from escaping. “If you can, ensure the hallway and any connecting areas are then vacuumed and mopped at the end of every day to prevent the dust from spreading,” she says.
Use cover sheets on any furniture close to the building zone and ensure flooring is well protected – your builders should be able to do this for you.
Although there will be constant dust – and particularly at the demolition stage – it can be possible to maintain a reasonably dust-free living zone.
Charles says they’ll often block off the stairwell entirely with a solid wall to keep the works separate to the rest of the house.
To get in and out of the “clean” part of the house, Gemma advises using plastic sheeting with zipper doorways to keep dust from escaping. “If you can, ensure the hallway and any connecting areas are then vacuumed and mopped at the end of every day to prevent the dust from spreading,” she says.
Use cover sheets on any furniture close to the building zone and ensure flooring is well protected – your builders should be able to do this for you.
How can you make your home feel nice for the duration of the project?
It depends on how much space you have, but if you can, separate your living space from the renovation area.
“We opted to move upstairs, because we live in a mid-terrace house, so the ground floor was constantly open to the elements, dirt and noise,” Gemma says. “Our spare room is away from all the noise and dust, so it felt disconnected, which is ideal. It also meant our children and cats could stay away from the building site, too.
“Try keeping the rest of your home in a comfortable and liveable condition,” she adds. “If there’s too much clutter, then consider renting a storage unit for a short time during the build to give yourself space to live in comfortably.”
“If the rest of the home is available for you to use, make it as functional as possible and become receptive to the changes to your home environment,” Angela advises. “Many people become stressed, as the impact can be too much. Try to make the process an adventure.”
Tell us…
Have you lived in during a kitchen or other major renovation? What are your tips? Share them in the Comments.
It depends on how much space you have, but if you can, separate your living space from the renovation area.
“We opted to move upstairs, because we live in a mid-terrace house, so the ground floor was constantly open to the elements, dirt and noise,” Gemma says. “Our spare room is away from all the noise and dust, so it felt disconnected, which is ideal. It also meant our children and cats could stay away from the building site, too.
“Try keeping the rest of your home in a comfortable and liveable condition,” she adds. “If there’s too much clutter, then consider renting a storage unit for a short time during the build to give yourself space to live in comfortably.”
“If the rest of the home is available for you to use, make it as functional as possible and become receptive to the changes to your home environment,” Angela advises. “Many people become stressed, as the impact can be too much. Try to make the process an adventure.”
Tell us…
Have you lived in during a kitchen or other major renovation? What are your tips? Share them in the Comments.
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“The average for [our kitchen projects] is three to four months, including the design phase,” Angela Weate says. The other pros concur, though “weather conditions, supply lead times and the team of contractors” can extend timings, Gemma Fabbri says.
Charles Elwell adds that living in for the duration can also impact on timings. “Lead times and costs will expand – at least a bit – as you have to work around the client,” he says.
The length of time you’ll have contractors working at your home is a big factor in the decision to live in or out, but there are also many more to consider.