Here Are 6 Ways to Live Comfortably at Home While Renovating

People who have lived in the same house for years spend more time keeping up with maintenance or making necessary upgrades. Common home renovations in the U.S. include landscaping the lawn or backyard, giving walls a fresh coat of paint, and replacing old, outdated or broken appliances.

You might be concerned about the inconveniences or hazards a renovation will cause. For example, you might worry that your kids or pets will get in the way or that items in your home could get damaged. The noise and dust could also become an issue. These concerns are valid, but fear not — you can live comfortably at home while renovating.

Here are six ways to prepare for a home renovation so you and your family can remain safe and continue with your daily living.

You probably have several important items or furniture in the area you're renovating. For example, suppose you're remodeling your bathroom. You likely have various medical or cosmetic items stored in the medicine cabinet or underneath the sink. 

It's essential to remove these items and keep them in a safe place before a contractor comes in to begin the project. You can buy various storage bins or plastic bags at a home improvement or department store to keep your essential or valuable items safe.

Suppose you're already clearing out items from common areas of your home to prepare for a renovation. In that case, you might as well take the time to declutter and set up a garage or yard sale. You'll come across plenty of unused, unnecessary or broken items to sell to your neighbors, co-workers, friends or family.

In addition to a local garage sale, you can try selling items on mobile apps or websites. Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, Poshmark and Mercari are some examples. Aside from decluttering your home, you'll also be able to make some extra money, which you can put toward the renovation project.

Kitchen renovations are particularly important because many families spend a lot of time here cooking, baking, eating and cleaning. Tables are also commonly used by kids to complete homework or school projects. However, renovating your kitchen will inevitably disrupt your regular day-to-day routine. 

It might be challenging to cook meals, make the kids' lunches or grab a quick snack. Instead of tiptoeing around the project, consider setting up a temporary mini-kitchen. You can place a blender and microwave there to make smoothies, pop popcorn or heat a frozen meal. Try to set up the makeshift kitchen near a source of running water, too.

Keeping children or pets away from the area you're renovating can be challenging. They are curious and might want to watch the contractors work or play with some of their equipment. However, this is a major safety hazard because renovators often use dangerous power tools or materials. 

As you prepare for your renovation, find a room or area in your home that you can deem a "safe space" for your little ones and pets. You can use baby and safety gates to keep them inside, but be sure to include toys, books and other fun gadgets in the room so they're entertained. Be sure pets have food and water bowls. 

The ultimate goal of a renovation is to bring you one step closer to the home of your dreams. You must openly communicate your plans with contractors to ensure they meet your expectations. 

Additionally, communicating with a contractor will help you both stay on the same page about the renovation's timeline, your design preferences and the project's final cost. Talk to your builder if you're concerned about living comfortably while renovating your home. It's probably not their first rodeo, meaning they'll give you tips and suggestions on continuing your daily tasks at home while they work.

Once you've prepared for your renovation, you should be able to stay in your home throughout the process. However, it might be better to stay temporarily with a family member or in a hotel for the time being. 

Tell your relatives or close friends that you're renovating your home and politely ask if it would be possible to stay with them for a short time until the project is done. Most renovations allow you to remain in your home, but having a backup plan never hurts.

They can be expensive, but renovations are long-term, worthwhile investments in your home. The value of your house and your family's quality of life will likely also increase. Use these tips to make you and your family comfortable during the renovation process.