Living Through Renovation (with Kids): Stay or Move Out?
Guide by BAYT

Renovating your home while continuing to live in it can be challenging. Add children into the mix, and the decision becomes even more complex.

Between noise, dust, and limited space, many families struggle to decide whether to stay in their home or move out during construction.

There is no single right answer, but understanding what to expect and planning carefully can make the process far more manageable.

At BAYT, we help clients make this decision early, based on the scope of work, safety considerations, and family needs.

1. Understanding the Scope of Your Renovation

The first factor to consider is how extensive your renovation will be.

• Smaller projects, such as a bathroom renovation or minor kitchen update, can often be completed while you remain at home
• Larger projects involving structural changes, plumbing alterations, or full extensions are typically more disruptive and may be uncomfortable or unsafe

Our design-and-build team clearly explains what your renovation involves and how it may affect daily life, helping you make an informed decision before work begins.

2. Safety and Health Considerations

When children are involved, safety must always come first.

Construction sites introduce risks such as dust, noise, exposed services, and restricted areas. Even with barriers in place, these risks cannot always be fully eliminated.

If the renovation impacts major systems such as heating, plumbing, or electrics, or if large parts of the home are inaccessible for extended periods, moving out temporarily is often the safer option.

At BAYT, we prioritise safety. We install dust barriers, maintain strict site controls, and work in a carefully managed way. We are also honest when we believe staying in the home would cause excessive disruption or risk.

3. Keeping Family Routine on Track

Renovation work can easily disrupt family routines. Noise during school hours, restricted access to kitchens or bathrooms, and constant site activity can add stress.

If you decide to stay at home:

• Create a quiet, comfortable space away from the construction area
• Plan simple meals that don’t rely on a fully functional kitchen
• Ensure children never enter work zones

If you decide to move out:

• Secure short-term accommodation close to your home
• Visit the site regularly to stay informed and see progress

Many families who move out temporarily tell us it was the best decision they made, reducing stress and allowing trades to work more efficiently and finish sooner.

4. Balancing Budget and Practicality

Moving out involves extra costs such as rent, storage, or temporary accommodation.

However, staying in a partially completed home can slow progress and increase labour time, which may also impact overall cost.

In many cases, allowing trades to work freely shortens the programme and helps offset the cost of moving out.

Because BAYT manages both design and construction, we plan every stage to minimise disruption, regardless of whether you stay or move out.

The BAYT Advantage

Our design-and-build process provides clarity from the outset.

We show you which parts of your home will be affected, how long each stage will take, and what day-to-day life will look like during construction.

Our project managers coordinate all trades and deliveries, keeping work on schedule and reducing unnecessary overlap.

This level of planning results in fewer surprises and a more manageable experience for families.

A Balanced Recommendation

If your project is small and contained, staying at home can work well.

If it involves a major renovation or full extension, moving out for part of the project is usually the more comfortable and practical option.

Whichever route you choose, BAYT helps you plan ahead, manage logistics, and maintain clear communication from start to finish.

Planning a Renovation for Your Family Home?

Whether you decide to stay or move out, our team can help you design and build a space that suits your lifestyle while keeping the process as stress-free as possible.

Contact BAYT today to discuss your renovation plans and learn how we can help you create your ideal home environment.