For many homeowners planning a full home renovation, the idea of where they may live is often overshadowed by the excitement of a stunning new home. Unlike room-specific renovations, whole home renovations aren’t confined to only one or two parts of the home, which can make daily living challenging. So, how can you decide what to do when construction begins?
Read on with the NeighborBuild team as we delve deeper into what goes into whole-home renovation and what that means for living arrangements. Continue below!
What is a Full Home Renovation?
As its name suggests, a full home renovation is a renovation that involves most of the home. In many cases, it involves the complete update of bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, and kitchens. While it doesn’t necessarily mean the entire home is being renovated, it generally involves the majority of it.
Though whole home renovations involve reconstructing the majority of the home, it’s typically not done all at once. This is known as phased work, which involves completing demolition, structure modifications, and finishing in stages rather than all at once in the home. Naturally, some rooms will be completed before others.
So, when is it feasible to stay at home, or when is it better to relocate temporarily?
When Staying at Home is Possible
To the surprise of many homeowners, staying at home during whole-home renovations is often completely feasible. This is especially the case with a good contractor, who will work closely with you throughout the entire process. It’s largely about your lifestyle and what you’re comfortable with. For example, do you or any family members work at home? Or will you need access to multiple bathrooms? How many disruptions are you comfortable with?
You may want to consider staying if:
- You don’t mind a little inconvenience to your daily schedule
- You’ll mostly be away from home during the day
- You don’t mind a little noise or less privacy (if at home during the day)
The key to a successful renovation of any kind is ensuring open communication between the contractor and the homeowner. At NeighborBuild, we take pride in ensuring consistent communication at every stage of the project. Homeowners who work with us remain informed from start to finish, so if you choose to stay, you’ll know what to expect. Our crew also takes steps to manage dust and dirt, ensuring your home remains comfortable if you choose to stay.
When Moving Out Is the Better Choice
Even with consistent communication, homeowners sometimes decide that they’d rather find temporary accommodations while construction is underway. It’s a common choice, and many don’t need to move out for the entire project, only during the most disruptive parts.
You may want to consider temporarily moving out if:
- You work from home or are home during the day
- You prefer a predictable daily schedule
- You don’t want to set up a temporary kitchen or home
- You have young children or pets
If you do decide to move out temporarily, there’s no need to worry with us here at NeighborBuild. Your home’s construction will carry through just the same as it would if you were here: with respect and care.
How Homeowners End Up Deciding
Deciding where your priorities lie is the first part; the second is planning. At the end of the day, it’s a choice that’s largely up to personal preference and your day-to-day schedule.
Whichever way you choose, it’s highly recommended to have your arrangements in place before the entire home renovation begins. For some homeowners, this means preparing temporary living arrangements with family or friends. For others, this involves preparing a temporary kitchen or taking other measures as needed. At NeighborBuild, we’ll work with you to help accommodate this process, such as setting up temporary living spaces in the basement or another room.
From Vision to Home with NeighborBuild
While whole home renovations can feel stressful and overwhelming, the right construction crew can make a real difference. If you’re planning a home renovation or remodel in Ottawa, NeighborBuild is here to help. Reach out to us today to book your consultation with our team, get a free quote, and get one step closer to your future home.


