Deciding Whether to Live at Home During a Remodel

Starting a remodel is an exciting milestone—it means you're investing in a home that truly reflects your lifestyle, your family, and your future. And once your plans are in place, another important decision comes into focus: Should you stay in your home during construction, or temporarily relocate?

For Pittsburgh families choosing custom design-build renovations, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Living at home can feel more convenient at first, but stepping away—even briefly—can actually enhance the remodeling experience in some meaningful ways

Here’s why relocating during your project might make the entire process smoother, faster, and more enjoyable—and in some scenarios, more affordable:

1. The Hidden Costs & Inconveniences of Staying Put

Longer Timelines

Our crew will be on-site consistently from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM each day, so you'll always have a clear idea of when the space is active—and when it might be a good time to stop by with a question or pick something up while the site is quiet. Even a quick daily reset adds up over time. We always leave the jobsite neat, orderly, and broom-swept.  When crews need to work around everyday household routines—like managing pets or coordinating around young children—it can disrupt the rhythm of the work and slow overall progress.

Daily Expenses Add Up

Living through a remodel often comes with hidden costs—like ordering takeout when the kitchen’s out of commission, higher utility bills from open walls or temporary barriers, or spending more on everyday conveniences to keep life running smoothly. These small, added expenses can add up over the course of a project.

2. Why Relocating Speeds Things Up

Full Access = Full Efficiency

A clear, unobstructed space allows the crew to work at full efficiency—moving seamlessly between tasks, accessing tools and materials without delay, and coordinating efforts without waiting on cleared paths or paused areas. When we have full access to the home, we can make consistent progress, avoid bottlenecks, and stay on schedule more easily—ultimately helping the project finish on-time and smoother. It also gives us more flexibility to keep things moving—especially when tasks like electrical work require temporarily shutting off power. The fewer disruptions to the flow of work, the fewer disruptions to your day-to-day life.

Fewer Distractions = Better Results

A shorter build time can reduce total labor costs while also easing the workload on crews, keeping equipment in better shape, and minimizing impact to the home and surrounding areas. The result? A more streamlined and cost-effective process overall. Staying on schedule relies on keeping momentum—and while our crew is always up for a quick chat, even the friendliest “What’s that tool?” or “Can I just pick your brain real quick?” moments can add up. We genuinely enjoy connecting with homeowners—but too many side conversations, and the hammers start missing their rhythm.

3. Your Kids & Pets Will Thank You

Less Stress

Construction noise, new smells, and unfamiliar faces can be overwhelming—not just for pets, but for kids too. Temporary relocation can help keep the whole household calmer and make the process easier on everyone.

Better Safety

With tools, cords, sharp edges, and open entry points in play, job sites aren’t ideal for curious pets or little ones. Keeping them in a controlled environment helps avoid unnecessary risks and accidents.

A Calmer Return

Instead of returning to a home still in transition, your family comes back to a clean, quiet space that’s fully ready for everyday life.

4. Life Goes On… Just Not as Usual

Disruptions Are Inevitable

Even the smoothest projects make daily life a bit trickier—especially when bathrooms, kitchens, or hallways are off-limits.
Family Routines Get Thrown Of

From morning coffee rituals to bedtime wind-downs, everything feels different when you’re dodging drop cloths or waiting for power tools to pause.

Mental Clutter Builds Up

Being surrounded by visual mess and ongoing noise can drain your energy. A change of scenery offers the chance to recharge while your space transforms.

5. The ROI of a Temporary Relocation

Faster Progress, Fewer Surprises

When your home is fully accessible, crews can work without pause—no waiting for cleared rooms, shifting schedules, or paused workspaces. That uninterrupted rhythm reduces labor hours, minimizes scheduling conflicts, and helps prevent unexpected costs. Fewer variables mean fewer surprises—making it easier to stay on track with both your timeline and your budget.

Staying Home? Let’s Make It Work

Realistically, we know that moving out isn’t always practical. Whether it’s due to budget, timing, family dynamics, or simply preference—many homeowners choose to stay in their homes during construction. And with the right planning and expectations, that’s completely doable.

We’ve helped countless families successfully live through kitchen renovations, second-floor additions, and even full-scale remodels. The key is preparation, open communication, and a flexible mindset.

There will be some noise, dust, and temporary disruptions to your routines—morning schedules might shift, and parts of your home may be off-limits for a while. But with a thoughtful plan tailored to your household, we’ll help keep things running as smoothly and comfortably as possible.

How We Help You Stay Comfortable at Home During a Remodel

Phased Construction Plans

We break projects into logical phases to ensure you still have access to essential areas of your home.

Pop-Up Kitchen Setups

When your kitchen is under construction, we help set up a temporary cooking space so you can still prepare meals.

Alternative Bathroom Access

We coordinate renovations to keep at least one bathroom available, or provide a temporary solution when needed.

Private “No-Work” Zones

We designate calm, construction-free areas in your home where you can relax and recharge.

Clear Traffic Flow

We create safe, usable walkways around the work zones to keep daily movement easy and uninterrupted.

Portable Storage Support

If you need to relocate furniture or valuables, we can recommend storage options that fit your space and timeline.

End-of-Day Reset

Our team tidies up at the end of each workday—not just to keep things looking good, but to maintain safety and peace of mind. Daily cleanup is a standard at JFCo, and it includes:

• Sweeping and vacuuming dust and debris from floors
• Safely storing tools out of reach of children and pets
• Organizing and stacking materials neatly in designated areas
• Clearing hallways and entry points for easy access
• Wiping down high-traffic surfaces when needed
• Removing trash and excess packaging

Consistent Communication

We keep you in the loop with weekly progress meetings and advance notice of any disruptions like water shut-offs or loud work.

Routine-Friendly Scheduling

From work hours to quiet times, we adapt to your lifestyle to help maintain a sense of normalcy.

Prioritizing Safety

We lock up tools and seal off work areas to help keep curious kids and pets safe. It’s all about making your home as secure as possible during construction.

Final Thoughts: Remodeling Is the Win—This Is Just One Strategy

Choosing to remodel is one of the best investments you can make in your home—and your day-to-day happiness. Deciding how you go through the process is simply about creating the most positive experience possible.

Relocating doesn’t mean stepping away from your project—it means setting it up for success. By giving your crew full access and your family some breathing room, you’re helping the entire renovation run more smoothly.

We understand that relocating isn’t the best option for everyone, and we’re always willing to work with you to find a solution that makes the most sense for your household, timeline, and comfort.

So, if you’re on the fence, know this: a temporary move might just be the smartest way to fall in love with your home all over again—faster, cleaner, and with less stress in the meantime.