Renovating
Pro Panel: 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 from UK pros 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.
How long do kitchen renovations take?
“The average for [our kitchen projects] is three to four months, including the design phase,” says Weate. The other we interviewed pros concur, though “weather conditions, supply lead times and the team of contractors” can extend timings, explains Fabbri.
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 trades and builders working at your home is a big factor in the decision to live in or out, but there are also many more to consider…
“The average for [our kitchen projects] is three to four months, including the design phase,” says Weate. The other we interviewed pros concur, though “weather conditions, supply lead times and the team of contractors” can extend timings, explains Fabbri.
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 trades and builders working at your home is a big factor in the decision to live in or out, but there are also many more to consider…
What are the advantages of living on-site during a kitchen renovation?
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 design and building 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,” says Fabbri. “And you’ll be able to notice potential issues before they’ve gone too far.”
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 design and building 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,” says Fabbri. “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 of when tradespeople 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,” says Fabbri. Discuss the stages of your renovation or build with your chosen professional in advance – but be prepared for schedules to shift.
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,” says Fabbri. Discuss the stages of your renovation or build with your chosen professional in advance – but be prepared for schedules to shift.
What are the disadvantages of living on-site during a kitchen redesign?
“The biggest issue,” says Elwell, “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.”
Fabbri, who is currently living at home with her family during her own kitchen renovation, 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 terrace house with no side or rear access, then it also means the builders, dirt and dust will all come through the house.”
“The biggest issue,” says Elwell, “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.”
Fabbri, who is currently living at home with her family during her own kitchen renovation, 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 terrace 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 builder and team of trades – “particularly on the difficult days, of which there are always some,” says Fabbri. “It can be stressful.”
As Elwell has already mentioned, your presence on-site may even slow down the rate of work. If you’re not there – so, for example, your kitchen renovator won’t need to make considerations to keep the hot water 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, Elwell adds, whichever room you’ve ended up using as your temporary kitchen space may need redecorating, so you’ll have to factor in that additional cost, too.
As Elwell has already mentioned, your presence on-site may even slow down the rate of work. If you’re not there – so, for example, your kitchen renovator won’t need to make considerations to keep the hot water 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, Elwell adds, whichever room you’ve ended up using as your temporary kitchen space may need redecorating, so you’ll have to factor in that additional cost, too.
What are the advantages of moving out during a kitchen renovation?
The greatest advantages to staying off-site during a kitchen redesign come with not having to live through the dust, noise and lack of privacy and convenience that come with residing on a building site.
Living off-site also doesn’t necessarily mean you will be out of touch with what’s happening to or at your home. In fact, it may help when delegating project management roles to your team. Discuss the management process and a potential schedule early on with your professional if you decide to move out during a kitchen renovation.
For example, if your builder or designer uses a management software tool such as Houzz Pro, they can share daily updates with you on a client dashboard, so you’ll know exactly which stage your project is up to. Rather than scrabbling through emails and texts, all communication can be in the same place.
The greatest advantages to staying off-site during a kitchen redesign come with not having to live through the dust, noise and lack of privacy and convenience that come with residing on a building site.
Living off-site also doesn’t necessarily mean you will be out of touch with what’s happening to or at your home. In fact, it may help when delegating project management roles to your team. Discuss the management process and a potential schedule early on with your professional if you decide to move out during a kitchen renovation.
For example, if your builder or designer uses a management software tool such as Houzz Pro, they can share daily updates with you on a client dashboard, so you’ll know exactly which stage your project is up to. Rather than scrabbling through emails and texts, all communication can be in the same place.
Arrange weekly site meetings with, ideally, your project manager. Elwell 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 or foreman, but do think carefully before taking on this huge job yourself and, if you decide not to, establish a clear chain of command that operates in a similar way. Builders and building designers often include project management in their fees, while kitchen designers, interior designers and architects may offer this service for an additional fee.
You may not have a project manager or foreman, but do think carefully before taking on this huge job yourself and, if you decide not to, establish a clear chain of command that operates in a similar way. Builders and building designers often include project management in their fees, while kitchen designers, interior designers and architects may offer this service for an additional fee.
What are the disadvantages of moving out during a kitchen redesign?
Ultimately, the major disadvantage to living on-site during a kitchen renovation is the extra time it can add on to your building schedule. If pros need to reconnect your hot-water supply at the end of each day or work around your needs, your project can take a lot longer.
That said, most of us won’t have the budget to move out entirely for the duration. This is often fine, but it requires good planning.
Get your professional involved in your decision. “Talk through the practicalities of living in during the build,” says Fabbri. “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.
Ultimately, the major disadvantage to living on-site during a kitchen renovation is the extra time it can add on to your building schedule. If pros need to reconnect your hot-water supply at the end of each day or work around your needs, your project can take a lot longer.
That said, most of us won’t have the budget to move out entirely for the duration. This is often fine, but it requires good planning.
Get your professional involved in your decision. “Talk through the practicalities of living in during the build,” says Fabbri. “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.”
Elwell adds, “Find out what their working hours and days are. Outline all this in advance. Miscommunication is what causes problems”.
Browse more modern Australian kitchens with white cabinetry and a kitchen island
Elwell adds, “Find out what their working hours and days are. Outline all this in advance. Miscommunication is what causes problems”.
Browse more modern Australian kitchens with white cabinetry and a kitchen island
What does a temporary kitchen set-up involve?
There are different levels and interpretations of what a temporary kitchen is. 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 or an inexpensive electric frying pan. And on the opposite end of the scale, your temporary kitchen may be comprised of a full-scale kitchenette.
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,” says Fabbri. Some benchtop room will be needed, too, and a table and chairs if there’s room.
Fabbri describes how she’s created this space in her own, mid-renovation home. “We’ve turned our spare bedroom into a temporary kitchen, dining space and lounge. We use 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 collects our laundry and delivers it back to us washed, dried and pressed, which is a luxury. At weekends, we might visit a family member and take our laundry with us.”
There are different levels and interpretations of what a temporary kitchen is. 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 or an inexpensive electric frying pan. And on the opposite end of the scale, your temporary kitchen may be comprised of a full-scale kitchenette.
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,” says Fabbri. Some benchtop room will be needed, too, and a table and chairs if there’s room.
Fabbri describes how she’s created this space in her own, mid-renovation home. “We’ve turned our spare bedroom into a temporary kitchen, dining space and lounge. We use 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 collects our laundry and delivers it back to us washed, dried and pressed, which is a luxury. At weekends, we might 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 in the laundry or near your 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.
Outdoor kitchens can really come into their own in situations such as these, as can the humble backyard barbecue. You could also look at a rudimentary tent if there are no other options. “One client literally used their camping stuff,” says Elwell.
Outdoor kitchens can really come into their own in situations such as these, as can the humble backyard barbecue. You could also look at a rudimentary tent if there are no other options. “One client literally used their camping stuff,” says Elwell.
Which kitchen essentials should you avoid packing away?
“Wherever possible, we attempt to provide temporary equipment,” says Weate. “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, chef’s knives, cutlery and a few plates and bowls.
“Wherever possible, we attempt to provide temporary equipment,” says Weate. “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, chef’s knives, cutlery and a few plates and bowls.
“Try to keep these to a minimum, as you won’t have much space,” says Fabbri. A microwave is another staple, especially if you won’t have access to a stove or oven. “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,” says Fabbri. “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.”
“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,” says Fabbri. “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.”
Is it safe for children and pets to live on-site during a kitchen renovation?
When renovating with children, safety needs to be considered. Fabbri 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.”
When renovating with children, safety needs to be considered. Fabbri 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,” says Fabbri. “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.”
What security precautions should I take in a kitchen renovation?
“Research your contractor before you commission them for the build,” says Fabbri of builders and trades. “Ask for their plans to keep your home secure during the renovation. Make sure your contractor and any sub-contractors 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,” says Fabbri. “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.”
“Research your contractor before you commission them for the build,” says Fabbri of builders and trades. “Ask for their plans to keep your home secure during the renovation. Make sure your contractor and any sub-contractors 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,” says Fabbri. “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.”
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 (though difficult) to maintain a relatively dust-free living zone.
Elwell says his team often blocks 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, Fabbri 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. Keep in mind, however, that you may need to take responsibility for this yourself – asking your trades to mop as well as vacuum can eat into cumulative hours they may otherwise spend building your new kitchen.
And remember to 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 (though difficult) to maintain a relatively dust-free living zone.
Elwell says his team often blocks 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, Fabbri 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. Keep in mind, however, that you may need to take responsibility for this yourself – asking your trades to mop as well as vacuum can eat into cumulative hours they may otherwise spend building your new kitchen.
And remember to 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’ve opted to move upstairs, because we live in a mid-terrace house, so the ground floor is constantly open to the elements, dirt and noise,” says Fabbri of her own kitchen renovation. “Our spare room is away from all the noise and dust, so it feels disconnected, which is ideal. It also means our children and cats can 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,” says Weate. “Many people become stressed, as the impact can be too much. Try to make the process an adventure.”
It depends on how much space you have, but if you can, separate your living space from the renovation area.
“We’ve opted to move upstairs, because we live in a mid-terrace house, so the ground floor is constantly open to the elements, dirt and noise,” says Fabbri of her own kitchen renovation. “Our spare room is away from all the noise and dust, so it feels disconnected, which is ideal. It also means our children and cats can 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,” says Weate. “Many people become stressed, as the impact can be too much. Try to make the process an adventure.”
Your turn
Have you lived at home during a kitchen renovation or other major building works? Share your survival tips in the Comments, like this story, save your favourite images and join the renovation conversation.
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For more great expert advice, check out this Pro Panel: How Do I Design a Garden Layout?
Have you lived at home during a kitchen renovation or other major building works? Share your survival tips in the Comments, like this story, save your favourite images and join the renovation conversation.
More
For more great expert advice, check out this Pro Panel: How Do I Design a Garden Layout?
Is a kitchen upgrade on the cards? Find kitchen designers in your area on Houzz and browse their projects