Living at home during a renovation

Moving out for a year is expensive and hard on a family. Sometimes it is not needed at all.

Build in stages

On the Lake Harriet House we split the work into three stages: the addition first, then the main floor, then the bedrooms. The family always had a kitchen and a place to sleep.

Plan for dust and noise

Sealed plastic walls, a separate entrance for the builders and quiet hours after 5 pm made the months easier for everyone.

When to move out anyway

If the work touches the roof, the heating and every bathroom at once, renting nearby for a few months is usually cheaper than stretching the build out.