The Reality: We've Lived Through It Ourselves
We don’t just talk about living through a renovation — we’ve done it ourselves.
During our own home extension, the kitchen ended up spread across three different rooms. At one point, we were washing dishes in a makeshift sink, cooking on a temporary hob in the corner of a building site, and balancing pots on top of the washing machine.
It was a challenge. But it gave us a deeper understanding of what our clients experience — and how smart phasing, temporary setups and honest planning make all the difference.
The Pros: Why Staying Home Can Make Sense
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Cost savings: You avoid the cost of temporary accommodation.
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On-the-ground oversight: You’re there to monitor progress and resolve issues quickly.
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Continuity: School runs, daily routines, and familiarity stay intact.
✅ If your renovation is phased or located away from your main living areas, staying home can work well.
The Cons: What You’ll Need to Prepare For
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Noise and disruption: Expect early starts, drilling, dust and foot traffic.
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Restricted access: Some rooms may be out of bounds for weeks.
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Temporary services: Kitchens and bathrooms will likely be impacted.
❌ If you’re having major structural works, re-roofing or re-plumbing, staying home might be less realistic.
What It Really Looks Like
Our make-shift sink area during the build — not glamorous, but it got us through.
When the washing machine doubles as a worktop — creativity counts when space is tight.
Top Tips for Staying Home During the Build
1. Plan the Build in Phases
We help clients and contractors develop phased construction strategies — allowing you to live in one zone while another is being worked on. This is especially useful for kitchen extensions or deep retrofits.
2. Set Up a Temporary Kitchen or Bathroom
Even a kettle, toaster and microwave in a spare room can be a lifesaver. Think creatively — the goal is function over finesse.
3. Create Boundaries
Agree working hours and define no-go zones with your builder. It protects your sanity and your family’s safety.
4. Expect It to Take a Bit Longer
Phased builds take more time due to sequencing. But they can be calmer and more budget-friendly overall.
Sustainable Renovations: Why Phasing Works
Many of our clients with sustainable ambitions choose to live at home and tackle their renovation in manageable stages:
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Insulating and extending the rear first
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Upgrading windows and fabric one elevation at a time
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Adding systems like MVHR or solar later on
✅ Phasing allows you to spread cost, reduce waste, and stay in control — all without moving out.
When It’s Better to Move Out
Some builds are best handled while the home is empty — particularly if:
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You’re replacing the roof or major structural elements
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All water, power or drainage will be disconnected
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The space becomes unsafe for children, pets or vulnerable occupants
We’ll always advise honestly on whether it’s practical to stay or go.
How We Support You
We don’t just design buildings — we plan the process with you in mind.
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We help sequence works to suit real-life living
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We provide clear builder briefs for phasing
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We consider liveability, comfort and sustainability at every stage
Whether you're staying in or moving out, we’ll support you to make calm, informed decisions — based on what’s right for your home, your family and your future.
👉 Ready to explore your own renovation project? Let’s talk