If you are planning a major renovation for your home and plan to stay in it when the work is done, you might feel a little worried. It is not always possible to find alternative accommodation when building work is done. Here are some tips to help you deal with life that will feel like in a pile of rubble:
- Plan ahead
Be prepared for activities such as cooking, space, bathroom facilities and warmth. The more you are prepared for such possibilities, the less stress you will find throughout the experience. Knowing the different stages and building work timeline will help you plan times when you might not be able to cook or shower. Consider how you will stay warm if you are without electricity and the weather is cold. A detailed work schedule and some future planning are very important. For a reliable Builders Bishops Stortford, visit https://www.ashmereconstruction.co.uk/
- Having a place to escape
What may feel like a pleasant adventure to start with can immediately become a pain when bad weather or a delay occurs. If possible, create an area of the property, even if it’s only one room, where you can retreat from the chaos of the building site. Keep this room clean, neat and warm and make this place your special quiet place.
- Use the garage
If you own a garage and are planning a major renovation or even a new building – consider setting up the garage as your temporary accommodation. Other popular alternatives include using garden space, additional buildings or caravans. Garden rooms are often shipped in kits, are easily assembled and can be used after building work for a useful home office or man cave. Clean it well first to make plenty of room for temporary life.
- Power and Water
Our basic needs include access to electricity and water. Make sure you meet your needs by planning ahead to connect to gas / electricity, water, telephone and the internet.
- Backup Plan
Arrange an emergency plan with family or closest friends that you can stay in for several nights if something goes wrong, like bad weather. If this is not possible, then considering a local economy hotel or even spending a few hours in a local cafe can be a saviour.
When you decide to continue to live on the site, here are some things you can expect:
- It will be very cold when you have no power, lost windows, no proper floor or doors for example. Aim to complete work like this during the summer.
- You will get wet. There will be times when the property cannot stand the weather, especially if there is a re-roofing involved.
- You won’t want to invite others so don’t make any social plans.
- Mud and dirt will flow everywhere, no matter how much you clean it.
- Progress will be slower because the work must be done according to your needs.
- There will be times when you have to cope without running water and no power.
