Set Up Temporary Living Space
Your living room will be a construction zone for 3-6 months. Setting up a comfortable temporary gathering space in another part of the house keeps family life functioning and morale high during the remodel. Think of it as a camping adventure with better WiFi.
Time Required
1 day to set up
Cost
$0-$500
Difficulty
Easy
Setting Up Your Temporary Space
Choose the right room
A basement, spare bedroom, or bonus room works best. Pick a space that is farthest from the construction zone to minimize noise and dust. Consider proximity to the kitchen and bathrooms for daily convenience. If you have a finished basement, it is often the best option.
Move key furniture first
Transfer your most-used seating (sofa, favorite chair) and a side table to the temporary space. Add a TV with streaming access and good reading lamps. You do not need to recreate the whole room, just make it functional and cozy.
Plan alternative traffic routes
If the living room is a main thoroughfare in your home, map out alternative paths between rooms. Contractors need clear access to the construction zone, and your family needs a way to move through the house without crossing through active work areas.
Living Through Construction
- Dust is unavoidable: Even with plastic sheeting and sealed doorways, fine construction dust will infiltrate the house. Run air purifiers in sleeping areas and the temporary living space.
- Noise schedule: Expect sawing, hammering, and power tool noise during work hours (typically 7am-5pm). Plan quiet activities and errands accordingly.
- Establish boundaries: Set clear rules with your contractor about which areas of the house are off-limits, bathroom access for workers, and cleanup expectations at the end of each day.
- Stock up on patience: Remodels are stressful on families. Build in breaks, date nights, and activities outside the house to maintain your sanity.
Pro Tips
- •Invest in a portable air purifier: A HEPA air purifier ($100-$300) in your temporary space and bedrooms makes a huge difference in air quality during demolition and drywall phases.
- •Create a kids' zone: If you have children, set up a dedicated play area away from construction. Keep their routine as normal as possible to reduce stress for everyone.
- •Consider a short-term rental for demo week: The demolition phase is the loudest and dustiest. Even 3-5 days in a nearby Airbnb can spare your family the worst of it.