Can You Live At Home While Adding On? A Few Key Answers

Posted on: 26 July 2021

Do you want to build an addition onto your home? For many homeowners, this is an effective and permanent solution to a variety of house deficiencies. But it can make living in the home a challenge during serious construction. As you decide what to do about your living situation during renovation, here are some answers to your pressing questions. 

Can You Live in the Home While Adding On?

The answer to this question is usually yes. Most home additions are limited to one particular part of the house—such as one wall, one room (like the kitchen), or one zone like the garage. Therefore, if you can contain the work to that section, the rest of the house is usually free to use. However, this may not be possible with more extensive additions, like those that involve adding a second floor. 

How Can You Minimize Interruptions?

If you want to live in the home during construction, you may minimize its impact in several ways. The first is in planning. Limit the scope of the addition, such as by opting for a bump-out addition instead of adding new foundations and utilities. Or reduce the number of rooms involved, perhaps increasing the size of just the kitchen and using interior remodeling to rework adjacent rooms.

The second way to minimize challenges is to establish ground rules between the family and the crew. Work out a schedule both can count on, including when they will work and when you will have your house to yourself. Establish construction zones and a dedicated entrance for the construction crew. Keeping your home life and construction life separate will help things stay quieter. 

Finally, take steps to minimize the mess of actual construction work. Talk with your contractor about ways to contain debris and dust, perhaps including dust control systems, negative pressure, air filters, and temporary walls of plastic or wood. Temporary walls can also reduce sound impact. 

What If It Doesn't Work?

The good news is that you can always change your mind later. If the construction becomes too much of an interruption, you can always relocate. Some homeowners find that simply creating a line item in their budget for occasional time away from home helps make it all manageable. Alternatively, you might discuss a schedule to temporarily relocate only during the most invasive stages. 

Where Should You Start?

Start by learning more about the needs and timelines of your particular addition project. Talk with an experienced remodeling contractor about methods they employ to keep the construction from impacting owners' daily lives. Together, you can make a plan to complete your new addition without giving up your home entirely. 

For more information, reach out to a business like Wall to Wall Construction, LLC.  

Share