Home Renovation Part 6: Rent or Stay at Home

You may live at home during the renovation, or you may live in a rented place during the project. There are pros and cons for each alternative.

Benefits of staying at home:

• You do not pay rent.
• You can easily supervise the work.
• It is easier to handle your pets.

Disadvantages of staying at home:

• Renovation is a loud and dirty process. Dust is everywhere.
• You will not be able to use much of your home during the project. For example, you will live in your basement, and you will need to use a substitute kitchen.
• You may not be able to host any guests or have playdates for your kids during the project.
  
• The project will take longer, because the contractor cannot work in all rooms at the same time.
• The project may cost more, because the contractor's people need to come multiple times to finish their jobs because some rooms are not available at any given time.
• You may need to move furniture from one room to another during the project at a short notice.
• If any member of your family suffers from allergies or migraines, they are likely to be triggered by the fumes of the glue and paint.
• The contractor need much space in your garage for storing materials (at least the space of one car).

Benefits of staying at a rented place during the project:

• You can keep living sanely away from the noise and dust.
• You will have a full size kitchen.
  
• You can host guests and have playdates for your kids.
  
• You avoid any health problems related to the renovation (like allergies and migraines).
• You have a strong incentive to finish the project on time.
  

Disadvantages of staying at rented place:

• You pay rent.
• If you rent an apartment, it is usually smaller than your home. Your family may need to share a single bathroom. If you rent a house, there is no such problem.
• Many landlords do not offer rentals for a few months.
• You need to visit your home a few times every week to supervise the work.