Discover how to stay peaceful during a live-in home renovation. Create serene spaces, maintain routines, and find tranquility amidst the chaos.
Should you stay in your house during renovation? If it is safe, the answer is yes.
Embarking on a home renovation can be an exciting journey, but it can also be a challenging and chaotic time. Trust me. I know.
During our fist stage of renovating our home, we decided to tackle the kitchen. What we thought would be a relatively easy cabinet replacement turned into a complete gut job with so many surprises.
I was so overwhelmed, that I needed to find ways to grab ahold of peace in the midst of the dust, noise, and total upheaval.
I’ve learned that with the right strategies and mindset, you can maintain a sense of peace and tranquility throughout the process.
In this blog post, I want to explore valuable tips and strategies to help you stay calm and collected while living in your house during a renovation.
Benefits of a Live-In Home Renovation
Living in your home during a renovation may seem daunting, but it comes with several noteworthy benefits.
Firstly, you have direct oversight and control over the project, ensuring that your vision and preferences are accurately implemented.
Living on-site also allows for more efficient decision-making and prompt resolution of any issues or concerns that may arise.
Additionally, by staying in your house, you can maintain a sense of familiarity and comfort, avoiding the hassle and costs associated with temporary accommodations.
Being present throughout the renovation process enables you to witness the transformation firsthand and appreciate the progress being made, fostering a deeper connection to your home.
Moreover, living in your house during renovation can save time and money by eliminating the need for moving and storage logistics.
While it may require patience and adaptability, the benefits of staying in your home during a renovation ultimately contribute to a more personalized, efficient, and cost-effective transformation of your living space.
When a Live-In Renovation is Not OK
While living in your house during a renovation can be a viable option in many cases, there are instances when it may not be safe or practical to do so.
It is important to assess the conditions and make an informed decision for the well-being of yourself and your family.
If the renovation involves extensive structural work, such as removing load-bearing walls or major foundation repairs, it may be necessary to temporarily relocate for safety reasons.
Additionally, if there is a significant presence of hazardous materials like asbestos or lead paint that could pose health risks, it is best to vacate the premises until proper remediation has been completed.
Other factors to consider include the extent of noise, dust, and fumes generated during the renovation, as well as the availability of essential amenities like functional bathrooms and kitchens.
Consulting with professionals, such as contractors, inspectors, or health experts, can help you determine whether it is safe and feasible to continue living in your house during the renovation.
Ultimately, prioritizing safety and well-being should guide your decision-making process.
Tips to Stay Peaceful During a Live-In Home Renovation
When planning to stay peaceful during a live-in renovation, I think it helps to focus on specific rooms individually: the kitchen, bathroom, living room, and bedroom. Let’s dive in!
Renovating the Kitchen: A Haven of Serenity
- Create a Temporary Kitchen Oasis:
- Set up a mini-kitchen in another room with essential appliances and utensils. We used a rolling kitchen island in the dining room with an electric cooktop, crock pot, and toaster oven. We also moved our fridge in here as well.
- Stock up on non-perishable and microwaveable food items for easy meal preparation.
- Use disposable plates and utensils to minimize cleanup.
- Establish a Schedule:
- Coordinate with your contractor to establish a clear timeline for kitchen renovation.
- Plan meal times accordingly, ensuring minimal disruption to your routine.
- Consider preparing meals in advance or ordering takeout during critical renovation phases.
- Create a Zen Corner:
- Set up a designated peaceful area within your home where you can escape the chaos.
- Include comfortable seating, soft lighting, and calming elements like plants or scented candles.
- Retreat to this space when you need a moment of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Tranquil Bathrooms: Finding Solace Amidst the Dust
- Prioritize One Bathroom:
- Designate one bathroom for your exclusive use throughout the renovation process.
- Ensure it is fully functional and well-stocked with necessities.
- Communicate this arrangement clearly to your contractor to avoid any misunderstandings.
- Embrace the Power of Music:
- Play soothing music or nature sounds in your bathroom to drown out construction noise.
- Invest in a waterproof Bluetooth speaker for convenience and relaxation.
- Create a peaceful ambiance by incorporating scented oils or candles.
- Escape with Shower Curtains:
- Install a temporary shower curtain in your bathroom to maintain privacy and reduce dust accumulation.
- Opt for lighter-colored curtains to enhance the sense of space and tranquility.
- Choose a curtain design that complements your personal taste and adds a touch of serenity.
Peaceful Living Rooms: A Haven for Rest and Recharge
- Define a Renovation-Free Zone:
- Designate a specific area within your living room that remains untouched by the renovation.
- Place comfortable seating, cozy throws, and cushions in this zone.
- Make it a sanctuary for relaxation, reading, or spending quality time with loved ones.
- Shield from Construction Clutter:
- Use temporary room dividers or curtains to visually separate the construction area from the rest of the living room.
- Keep valuable items, such as electronics or delicate decor, away from the renovation zone to prevent damage.
- Engage in Mindful Activities:
- Practice calming activities like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing in your living room.
- Explore hobbies that bring you joy and help distract from the renovation stress.
- Surround yourself with inspirational books or artwork to uplift your spirits.
Serene Bedrooms: Retreats for Restful Nights
- Maintain a Clean and Clutter-Free Space:
- Keep your bedroom tidy and organized throughout the renovation process.
- Invest in storage solutions to store personal belongings and keep them dust-free.
- Use calming scents and soft lighting to create a serene atmosphere for restful sleep.
- Soundproof Your Sanctuary:
- Hang soundproof curtains or use white noise machines to minimize construction noise disruptions.
- Consider using earplugs or sleep headphones to create a quieter sleeping environment.
- Ensure your bed is comfortable and conducive to a restful night’s sleep.
- Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine:
- Establish a calming bedtime routine to unwind and de-stress before sleep.
- Practice activities such as reading, taking a warm bath, or listening to soothing music.
- Keep electronic devices out of the bedroom to promote a peaceful environment.
Live-In Renovation with Kids
Living in a house during renovation can be especially challenging when you have kids, but with some thoughtful planning and consideration, you can navigate this period with minimal disruption and maintain a peaceful environment for your family.
- Firstly, establish clear communication with your contractor about the presence of children and their safety. Create a designated safe area within the house where your kids can play and be away from the construction zone.
- Stick to a consistent routine to provide stability amidst the chaos, ensuring that meal times, nap times, and bedtime remain consistent.
- Minimize dust and allergens by sealing off construction areas and regularly cleaning and ventilating the living spaces. We used THIS EXACT product.
- Engage your kids in the process by involving them in age-appropriate activities like choosing paint colors or décor items for their own spaces.
- Lastly, prioritize family outings and activities outside the home to give your kids a break from the renovation stress.
By following these tips, you can make the renovation process more manageable and maintain a sense of harmony within your home while living in it with kids.
Seek Support During a Live-In Renovation
At the end of the day, always remember that it is totally okay to ask for help. Here are some ways that we have been supporting while completing live-in renovation projects.
- First, I have a support group of friends I call when things seem too much. They know how my mental health struggles during walls coming down, and they understand that sometimes I just need to cry or hear about something else besides another problem that was found under a floor board. They’ve also sent me lovely care packages when I was feeling completely knocked down because of the upheaval.
- Next, neighbors have brought us dinner. We didn’t ask, but we also didn’t refuse, and that is key. It is totally okay to accept their kindness, and honestly, most people really enjoy helping out.
- Lastly, I watch a ton of renovation videos during the process to remind me that this will come to an end soon, and the outcome will be well worth it. It is inspiring to see other families going through a lot of change and making their homes work for them for the long run.
- It is worth noting, that sometimes a huge project may require extra mental health support, especially if the renovation turns into more than you bargained for. Remember that a renovation often has surprise expenses, and that can cause a lot of stress.
- If possible, have a therapist help you talk through the feelings you are having and find some effective coping strategies to overcome depression and anxiety that may come up
Living in your house during a renovation can test your patience and disrupt your daily life. However, by implementing these tips and strategies, you can maintain a sense of peace and tranquility throughout the process.
Remember to establish temporary spaces, create peaceful corners, and prioritize self-care to ensure your well-being during this hectic time.
Stay organized, communicate clearly with your contractor, and remember that the end result will be a beautifully renovated home that truly feels special.
Embrace the journey and envision the peaceful oasis that awaits you once the renovation is complete.
For more inspiration, check out the YouTube channel, Laura Melhuish-Sprague. This couple lives in their English home as they renovate, and I love how they maintain peace through some of the methods I’ve described here.
How do you stay peaceful during a live-in renovation? Share your tips in the comments!