The short answer is yes. But whether it’s a good idea—or even realistic—depends entirely on the scale of the renovation and your tolerance for disruption. At NB Architects, we’ve worked on many residential projects where the owners stayed put, and others where moving out made more sense.
It all comes down to the scale of the work
If you’re adding a new bedroom or reconfiguring a single space, it’s usually possible to live in the rest of the house with minimal adjustment. But if the renovation involves kitchens, bathrooms, structural changes, or full reclads, that’s when it gets trickier.
Major building work often means water and power disruptions, limited access to parts of the house, and a fair bit of dust and noise. If you’re expecting a newborn or juggling busy work-from-home schedules, living onsite may not be worth the hassle.
Builders can stage the work—but it’s slower
Living in the house while work is happening means the builder has to carefully plan around you. That might involve staging the build in sections, or working around essential rooms like the bathroom or kitchen. It’s doable, but can stretch out the timeline compared to having full access.
There’s also the risk of delays if something unexpected crops up. That’s more likely in renovations than new builds, because older homes often hold a few surprises once walls are opened up.
Don’t underestimate the mess
Even the tidiest builders can’t eliminate noise, dust, or smells completely. You’ll probably be dealing with early starts, temporary boarding, open framing, and the occasional power tool whirring just as you’re trying to make a Zoom call or put a toddler down for a nap.
If you’re okay with that—and plenty of people are—then staying at home might make sense. But if the thought of living with plastic drop sheets and extension cords sends you into a spin, it may be time to consider a temporary move.
Weigh up the costs vs the convenience
Yes, moving out adds cost. But there’s a potential trade-off in the form of a faster build and less stress. If builders can work uninterrupted, the overall timeline may shrink—which could make the extra rent or AirBnB cost worthwhile.
It’s also worth considering your health and wellbeing. Living through a major renovation can take its toll, especially over a longer period. We’ve seen families who started out optimistic, but ended up stressed and sleep-deprived by the end. Planning ahead makes all the difference.
Temporary kitchen or bathroom setups
For some renovations, we’ve seen clients set up makeshift kitchens in garages or spare rooms—microwave, kettle, maybe a camp stove. It’s not ideal, but it can get you through a few weeks without giving up your home. Portable toilets or external showers are another option, though not everyone finds those practical.
Talk to your builder early about what’s possible, and whether they’ve done similar setups before. Some building companies are better equipped than others to help make it work.
Let your architect know your plans early
If you do want to stay in the house during the build, let your architect and builder know at the beginning. That way the design, timeline, and staging can all take your living arrangements into account.
At NB Architects, we’re used to helping clients weigh up the pros and cons. We’ll talk through your specific project, and help you make a decision that balances budget, comfort, and practicality.
It’s your home—and we’ll work with you to make sure the process is manageable, whether you choose to stay or take a break somewhere else.