Unless a home renovation is preceded by something like an accident or disaster, getting certain parts or all of your home renovated at once can be an exciting time. One thing that many homeowners forget during a renovation is that putting your home through renovations means having to change the way you go about daily life as certain parts of your house will be inaccessible.
Whether you’re planning large-scale or minor changes, knowing how you’re going to lead your life until the house is done is key to staying sane. If renovations are in your future, here are some ideas on while your home is being redone.
Minor Renovations
Whether it’s a handful of small add-ons or the whole room itself, having minor renovations made to your house does not require you to move out. That said, there are some considerations you’ll want to make for these small changes. For example, are you going to be able to live with the noise that’ll come with the renovations? How long will the changes take, and can you deal with those in the meantime? Are there going to be any potential risks to your health by being in the house? Are you going to be able to lead your life normally?
On this note, you may also wish to look into home and contents insurance. Chances are that you’re having a professional take care of your renovations. While we trust them to do the job safely, making sure that you have coverage for your personal belongings (and the personal property of your family members) in the event of property damage will help you cover the replacement cost by providing you with the actual cash value of your items. Don’t know which insurance providers or insurance products to turn to so that you can get the best rate on personal property coverage? Use a home insurance compare and contrast tool to find the right type of coverage for you.
Major Renovations
If a significant portion of your home is being renovated, you’re going to have to find somewhere to live temporarily until your home is safe again. But what are your options for such a time? Some places to consider living while you’re waiting for your home to be finished include:
- A Friend or Family Member’s Home: Staying with a friend or family member can be the least expensive way to wait out renovations. If you have friends or family members close by, reach out to them and see if they may be able to let you stay until your home has been finished.
- Extended Stay Hotels: Extended stay hotels provide visitors with a hotel experience that offers basic home amenities. These places are designed for anyone who needs temporary shelter for longer than you would be able to book a regular hotel room. That said, extended stay hotels can be quite pricey, which is something you’ll need to consider when looking around for lodging.
- Renting Out an RV: Have an RV or considering renting an RV? This mini home on wheels means that you can camp out right in front of your house and still access it as the renovations are going on. This may be a good idea if you find rentals for relatively cheap.
- Finding Temporary Housing: Some renovations can take longer than others, and the options above may not be the best choice for your situation. If this is the case for you, consider looking for temporary housing and short-term leases that’ll cover you until the anticipated finishing date.
Home renovations don’t always mean having to move out. However, if you’re taking on major projects, it’s often better to stay outside the house. Consider your liability coverage, homeowners insurance cover, and where you’re going to stay while renovations occur.
