Home renovation is an exciting and rewarding path to set off, but as with any other journey, it comes with its hassles. It’s not a mystery that renovations can be messy and disruptive, and anyone who’s considering undergoing major renovation must consider an alternative accommodation while the construction process is taking place. No matter what type of renovating you’re aiming for, as small as remodeling your kitchen cupboard or as major as renovating your entire house, it takes a certain amount of time, and you need to provide comfortable housing for yourself. There are various solutions to this problem, and we will explore them one by one, considering their pros and cons.
Staying With Friends and Family
If you have any family or friends who live near you and you can get along well with them, it could be the most cost-effective and convenient option for you to stay temporarily with them. The renovation process can be stressful and time-consuming; it would be great to have loved ones around you in the process while saving yourself from overspending on temporary housing. Ask them if they are willing to accommodate you and your family. Despite all the advantages, you need to reflect on some considerations before asking them for a favor. Think about the size of your family and their family combined and compare that to the size of your family/friend’s house. Does their accommodation condition have the capacity to cater to you all at once? Talk to them about the scope of your renovation and make sure you’re not going to have to outstay there more than you welcome. Be completely honest and open about their house rules and communicate every little detail, such as cleaning level, noise level, and their expectations of you as a guest, before you make the decision. Home-sharing can lead to tension and unwanted arguments; therefore, make sure you won’t lose a friend or a loved one after the renovation.
Renting a Short-Term Apartment
If you’re looking for an option besides staying with family and friends, you can always check furnished apartments ranging from studio units to multi-bedroom suits for short-term rentals. This is a more comfortable alternative and less convenient alternative compared to home-sharing with your family or friends. It secures your privacy during renovation and provides a comfortable stay. You need to consider three key factors while apartment hunting in this situation: location, amenities, and cost-effectiveness. You need a place conveniently close to your renovation site so that you can minimize your commuting time and expenses. Temporary housing must provide you with essential amenities, such as kitchen appliances, so that you can feel comfortable and keep your sanity. Compare rental rates before setting a budget, and after it is determined, stay loyal to it. Make sure you offer flexible lease options in compliance with any delays or changes in your renovation schedule.
Living On-Site In a Trailer
If you are an adventurous soul and embrace challenges in life, living in a trailer or RV on the renovation site could be a practical temporary housing solution. This option is very practical if you’re considering a major renovation project where multiple changes must happen at once, so you are closely monitoring the contractor, and you can maximize your interference in the decision-making. Extensive work comes with surprises all the time, and you need to show up for possible or additional changes. What could be better than living right next to the renovation site that gives you a sense of continuity and involvement in the renovation process? First and foremost, you need to check local regulations before rolling with this alternative. Consider the required space for your trailer or RV and you also need to make sure of necessary utility hookups. You will need to set up amenities such as water, electricity, and sewage connections. You can find the answers to all your questions regarding trailer-life regulations and restrictions in your local zoning department or homeowner’s association to ensure your decisions are in compliance with the law before finalizing them.
Other Options for Temporary Housing
There are other less common options to consider for housing you and your family during a renovation project, among which you can choose depending on your personal priorities, budget, and personality. These alternatives include extended-stay hotels, vacation rentals, corporate housing, and home exchange.
Extended-Stay Hotels
Look for hotels that offer suit-style accommodation, the ones that have a little kitchen so you can prepare your own food and make yourself comfortable during your stay. Many hotels have special rates for guests with extended stays; look them up and compare them so you can come up with a convenient plan. You need to have a rough schedule of your construction timetable in mind as well before booking. If your project takes too much time, it cannot be the most reasonable option financially.
Vacation Rentals
You can always check websites such as Airbnb and VRBO to find a wide range of short-term housing options. These accommodations offer the most homelike atmosphere in temporary housing. Consider the housing distance from your construction site while comparing different options so that you can have a more relaxed stay and minimize the time you spend commuting.
Corporate Housing:
Business travelers and individuals in transition mostly enjoy corporate housing options. They provide complete temporary housing solutions within a stable residential setting and full customer service while maintaining a price range lower than hotels. You also have access to more squares to live in and enjoy your stay. Explore the corporate housing options in your area, as it can be a cost-effective and convenient solution to your problem.
Home Exchange
If you are an adventurous soul individual and enjoy unconventional housing options, you can arrange yourself a home exchange. Some homeowners look for different temporary accommodations, and you can use this option for housing you and your family during the construction project. It is also one of the most cost-effective alternatives you could consider.
Tips for Choosing Temporary Housing
To ensure you and your family can have a comfortable and convenient experience in your temporary accommodation, you need to consider some tips for decision making.
- Plan ahead: Start your research before your renovation is set off, compare all the available options and their expenses, and consider their location, amenities, and cost to make a wise decision.
- Communicate with contractors: Establish clear and open communication with your construction contractor; you need to be able to coordinate scheduling and logistics for your temporary housing needs with them. Ensure they fully understand your accommodation situation and any restrictions you have according to that.
- Pack essentials: Make a checklist for all your necessities and personal belongings you might need during your temporary stay. Include all the items that seem essential to you; they could range from clothing items to important documents.
- Maintain routines: Make a smart decision by which you need to make no or slight changes in your family routines and habits so that your short-stay won’t change into drastic challenges for you all. Try to keep the environment and the routines familiar to your normal daily habits.
- Stay flexible: Due to unplanned and unpredictable events in your renovation scheduling, you might need to extend your stay or even change it. Stay flexible and adaptive when facing such challenges, and keep an open mind in accepting them to avoid any unnecessary stress.
Final Remarks
A stress-free and convenient construction process requires you to find a suitable accommodation during the process. Make sure you evaluate all your options before making any decision and try to plan everything with an open mind to accepting unpredictable yet inevitable challenges. Ensure a delightful and comfortable stay for you and your family by considering factors such as location, budget, and changes you might need to make in your lives regarding the change. Bear in mind that these temporary changes will lead to a home for life, one which makes all the trouble worthwhile.