Can I Live in My House During a Home Addition?

Starting a home addition project is both exciting and intimidating. A common concern for many homeowners is whether they can continue living in their house while the work is being done.

The short answer is maybe. It depends on the scale of the addition, how the construction schedule coincides with your routine, and whether you have kids and pets.

Certain precautions can minimize disruptions and make it a more pleasant experience if you decide to stay in your house for the project.

Factors to Consider During a Home Addition

Before deciding where to live during your home addition, here’s what to consider.

Extent of the Remodel

The scale and complexity of your home addition influence whether staying in the house is viable. Larger, more invasive projects — such as adding multiple rooms or altering structural elements — may displace you from your daily living spaces.

Evaluate the extent of the construction and its impact on your plumbing, electricity, and HVAC system. Sometimes, a temporary move is best to ensure your family’s comfort and safety.

Construction Schedules

Understanding and coordinating the construction schedule is crucial for maintaining a livable environment during a home addition. Regular updates and a well-planned timeline from your contractor help prevent major disruptions.

Consider how different phases might affect essential areas like the kitchen and bathrooms, and plan the schedule so these areas are the least impacted when you need them the most.

Safety Considerations

Keeping your kids and pets safe is a major concern during any construction project. If you want to continue living at home while the work is underway, set up barriers and lock doors to secure construction zones, and maintain clear pathways to avoid accidents.

It’s also important for the construction team to clean up debris and tools daily to prevent hazards. Check whether your contractor follows this protocol.

Tips for Living Comfortably During a Home Addition

If the above considerations check out, the next step is to plan carefully and make a few strategic decisions to simplify your life during a home addition.

Establish Clear Communication

Effective communication is the backbone of a smooth home addition project. Regular meetings and updates from your contractor help you anticipate changes and manage your expectations.

Keep family members informed about the construction schedule and any adjustments to their daily routines. Such proactive communication reduces stress and confusion throughout the renovation.

Create Temporary Living Solutions

Successfully navigating a home addition may involve creatively rearranging your living area. For instance, you might set up a mini-kitchen in the laundry room or garage using small appliances, or create comfortable sleeping arrangements in the guest bedroom.

Removing and storing some belongings also helps maintain a sense of order and prevents accidental damage during construction.

Plan for Potential Challenges

Home additions can include unexpected difficulties, such as back-ordered materials or unforeseen construction issues.

To prepare for these possibilities, maintain a flexible mindset and have a backup plan, such as arranging temporary accommodations if you can’t stay during extreme disruptions. Staying adaptable helps you handle issues as they come up without raising your stress level.

Schedule a Home Addition Consultation

Foremost Builders is ready to make your home addition dreams come true. Our commitment to excellence means you can trust us to deliver a streamlined process, from the initial consultation to the final walkthrough.

As the only design/build/remodeling firm in the Upper Valley areas of New Hampshire, we offer a unique approach that includes managing every detail with the highest standard of quality and craftsmanship.

If you’re considering a home addition, let’s talk. Our remodeling experts are ready to help you navigate your project, so call us or reach out online to get started.