Living at Home During a Remodel: What to Expect

One of the first questions homeowners ask us is: Can we live here while you work?

For many families, the answer is yes. With good planning and the right protection, you can stay in your home through most remodels. Here's what that really looks like, how we protect your home, and a few tips from families who've done it.

How We Protect Your Home

Before any work begins, we set up your home so the rest of it stays livable.

Dust walls and barriers. We seal off the work area with plastic sheeting and zippered doors, so dust stays where the work is.

Clean air. On dusty phases, we run HEPA air scrubbers that filter fine particles out of the air while we work.

Protected paths. We cover the floors from the entrance our team uses all the way to the work area, so your floors stay protected as people and materials come and go.

Covered furniture and finishes. Anything that stays near the work area, like furniture, doors and trim, gets covered and taped.

A tidy site every day. At the end of each workday, we broom-clean the work area, clear debris and organize tools and materials.

What Daily Life Looks Like

Crews and trade partners typically work 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some days several trades are on site, and other days are quiet while we wait on inspections, materials or drying times. Quiet days are planned, not delays.

You'll still notice some dust, noise and odors, especially during demolition, drywall sanding and floor finishing. Your project manager will let you know when those days are coming, so you can plan to be out of the house.

Setting Up a Temporary Kitchen

If your kitchen is being remodeled, a temporary kitchen makes a big difference. Many of our families set one up in a dining room or another nearby space.

A few things that help:

• Small appliances: a microwave, toaster oven or air fryer, an electric griddle and a coffee maker cover most meals.

• A dish station: a utility sink, laundry tub or bathroom sink works for washing up. Paper plates help on busy weeks.

• Clear bins: labeled bins keep pantry items and utensils easy to find.

• A folding table or two: extra counter space makes cooking easier.

• The grill: in warmer months, it's a great way to keep meals simple.

What About the Shower?

If your only full bathroom is being remodeled, we'll talk through options before work begins. On one Menomonee Falls project, we built a temporary shower in the basement so the family could stay home comfortably throughout their bathroom remodel.

When Staying Elsewhere Makes Sense

Living at home is always your choice, and many families do it well. Still, we'll talk through whether staying elsewhere for part of the project makes sense if:

• Your only kitchen or only full bathroom is being remodeled

• Someone in your home is sensitive to dust, odors or noise

• You work from home or have an infant

• You have pets that stress easily

Even a few nights away during the loudest, dustiest phases can make the whole project feel easier.

A Few More Tips

• Clear the work area and nearby rooms before work begins, and pack or cover items in adjacent spaces.

• Plan a quiet room away from the work area where you can relax.

• Keep pets in a safe, quiet space away from construction.

• Plan for a deep clean after your project. Fine dust keeps settling for a while, and a professional post-construction cleaning is worth including in your budget. We're happy to recommend cleaners we trust.

We'll Walk You Through It

Before your project begins, we'll share our What to Expect guide and talk through how your family will live during the remodel, so there are no surprises. Have more questions? Our FAQs cover more about what to expect during construction.

Thinking about a remodel in Lake Country or Waukesha County? Book a complimentary phone consultation, and we'll help you plan a project that fits your home and the way your family lives.

Call our office at (262) 326-0207 or book online.