One of the biggest questions homeowners face when planning a renovation is whether to stay in the home during the construction—or move out temporarily. At Coleman Build, we work with many families across Los Angeles on projects ranging from bathroom updates to full home remodels and ADUs. And this question comes up almost every time.

The answer? It depends.

Every remodel is unique, and whether you should remain in the home depends on the scope of work, your tolerance for disruption, your family needs, and your budget. Below, we break down the key factors to consider so you can make the decision that works best for your situation and comfort.

Remodeling isn’t simply workers coming and going. It affects the flow of your daily life. You may be dealing with:

• Noise from demolition, saws, drills, and hammering
• Dust, even with proper containment systems
• Temporary loss of spaces like the kitchen or bathrooms
• Limited privacy
• Early morning work hours
• Material storage areas indoors or outdoors

Living through construction is doable—but it requires patience, planning, and flexibility. Before deciding, it’s important to evaluate what type of remodel you’re taking on.

Staying at home can be a great option in certain situations. This is especially true for:

Smaller or Single-Room Remodels

If you are updating one bathroom, replacing flooring, repainting, or reworking a single part of the house, disruptions are typically manageable. We can close off the construction area to minimize dust and maintain your living space.

Phased Remodels

If the project is structured in phases—for example, renovating one floor at a time—you may be able to move between usable areas of the house.

Homes With Multiple Bathrooms

If one bathroom is being renovated and another is available, day-to-day life is still functional.

If Cost Is a Primary Concern

Temporary housing can be expensive in Los Angeles. Staying home may help you save thousands in rental or hotel expenses.

Best For:

• Homeowners comfortable with a bit of disruption
• Smaller projects or remodels that leave part of the home fully usable
• Families with flexible schedules

There are certain remodels where staying home is not only inconvenient—it can be unsafe or impractical.

Whole-Home Renovations

If major systems are affected—electrical, plumbing, HVAC—there may be periods when the home has no water or power. These systems need to be turned off temporarily for safety and installation.

Kitchen Remodels

Your kitchen is one of the most-used rooms in your home. Living without a sink, stove, or refrigerator for weeks or months can be highly disruptive. While temporary kitchens can be created, they are rarely ideal for long-term living.

Projects Involving Hazardous Materials

If demolition reveals mold, asbestos, or lead paint, staying on site is not advised until professional remediation is complete.

Families With Young Children, Elderly Relatives, or Pets

Noise, dust, and unfamiliar people moving throughout the home can be stressful and even unsafe.

Best For:

• Large remodels impacting multiple rooms or utilities
• Families with health, safety, or routine needs
• Projects expected to take several months or more

Moving out introduces new costs, including:

• Temporary housing (short-term rentals, hotels, or staying with family)
• Storage for furniture and personal items
• Additional travel or commute time to check on the project

However, sometimes moving out speeds up construction. When workers have uninterrupted access to the home, they can complete tasks more efficiently, potentially reducing the total project timeline. A shorter construction schedule may help offset the cost of temporary housing.

If you decide to stay, planning ahead will make daily life more manageable:

1. Create a “Construction-Free Zone.”

Designate at least one room in the home where you can relax without debris, tools, or materials.

2. Prepare for Noise.

Expect early mornings. Noise-cancelling headphones may become your best friend.

3. Ask About Dust Containment.

At Coleman Build, we use protection barriers and air scrubbers to reduce dust—but some dust is inevitable.

4. Organize Temporary Solutions.

For kitchen remodels, set up a microwave, small fridge, portable cooktop, and pantry items in another space.

5. Talk to Your Contractor About Schedule Updates.

Knowing what work is happening when reduces stress and helps you plan around noisy or high-traffic days.

At Coleman Build, our goal is always clarity. Before construction begins, we:

• Walk you through the phases of the project
• Identify how each part of your home will be affected
• Provide honest recommendations on whether staying is realistic
• Offer phased scheduling options when possible
• Help plan temporary arrangements if needed

We understand that your home isn’t just a building—it’s your daily life, your routines, and your comfort. Our job is not only to transform the space, but to support you throughout the process.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether you should live at home during your remodel. The key is to carefully weigh the project scope, household needs, and personal tolerance for disruption.

But you don’t have to make the decision alone.

If you’re planning a remodel in Los Angeles, our team at Coleman Build is here to help assess your project and guide you through every step—from planning to the final reveal.

Coleman Build

Los Angeles, CA

Build with clarity. Build with care. Build with Coleman.