Arrange Temporary Housing
Lock in rental or alternate living arrangements now. Budget 10-14 months minimum for a whole home remodel - delays are common, and you don't want to scramble for housing when your lease expires before construction completes.
Quick Summary
Typical Duration
10-14 months
Plus buffer for delays
Monthly Cost
$2,000-$5,000
Varies by market
Total Budget
$25,000-$70,000
For full project duration
Why Temporary Housing Planning Is Critical
You cannot live in your home during a comprehensive whole home remodel. The construction site is not safe or habitable - there will be exposed electrical, missing walls, no functioning bathrooms, and potentially hazardous materials like lead or asbestos being abated.
The temporary housing decision affects your quality of life for a year or more. Choosing poorly - somewhere too small, too far from work, or with lease terms that don't match your project - creates ongoing stress during an already challenging time.
- Safety requirement: Construction sites aren't habitable - exposed wiring, no HVAC, structural openings, dust
- Permit requirement: Many jurisdictions require vacancy during major construction
- Timeline uncertainty: Projects rarely finish on original schedule - you need housing flexibility
- Budget impact: Housing costs $25,000-$70,000+ over project duration - plan for it
- Family stability: Children, pets, and daily routines need consistent, comfortable space
- Project access: Staying nearby lets you monitor progress and respond to issues
Temporary Housing Options Compared
Corporate Housing
$2,500-$5,000+/monthFully furnished apartments designed for temporary stays, typically 30+ days.
Pros
- + Fully furnished with everything you need
- + Utilities, internet, and amenities included
- + Flexible lease terms (month-to-month available)
- + Professional management, 24/7 support
- + Often pet-friendly with reasonable fees
Cons
- - Higher monthly cost ($2,500-$5,000+)
- - Limited availability in some markets
- - May feel impersonal or hotel-like
- - Less space than typical apartment
Best for: Most whole home remodel situations - offers best flexibility and amenities.
Short-Term House Rental
$2,000-$4,500/monthRenting an unfurnished or furnished house for 6-12 months.
Pros
- + More space for families
- + Feels like a normal home
- + Often in residential neighborhoods
- + May include yard for pets
- + Can stay in same school district
Cons
- - Harder to find short-term leases
- - May require furnishing if unfurnished
- - Less flexibility on timeline
- - More responsibility (lawn, maintenance)
Best for: Families with children who need stability and space during lengthy projects.
Extended Stay Hotel
$2,000-$4,000/monthHotels designed for longer stays with kitchenettes and weekly rates.
Pros
- + No lease commitment
- + Housekeeping included
- + Easy to extend or leave early
- + Amenities (pool, gym, breakfast)
- + Good for uncertain timelines
Cons
- - Expensive for long stays
- - Limited space and storage
- - No real kitchen for cooking
- - Can feel isolating over time
- - Often no pets or size restrictions
Best for: Single people or couples with short projects or highly uncertain timelines.
Family or Friends
$0-$500/month (contribution)Staying with relatives or close friends during construction.
Pros
- + Low or no housing cost
- + Emotional support during stressful time
- + Flexibility on timing
- + Familiar environment
Cons
- - Can strain relationships
- - Limited privacy and space
- - May not accommodate pets
- - Guilt about overstaying welcome
- - Distance from project may be an issue
Best for: Budget-conscious projects or as backup option for unexpected extensions.
Apartment Lease
$1,500-$3,500/month + furnishingTraditional apartment with 6-12 month lease term.
Pros
- + Predictable monthly cost
- + Wide availability
- + Amenities at larger complexes
- + Standard lease protections
Cons
- - Typically requires 12-month lease
- - Usually unfurnished
- - May need to break lease or sublet
- - Move-in costs (deposits, fees)
Best for: When short-term options unavailable or project timeline is very certain.
How to Secure Temporary Housing
Calculate Your Timeline Realistically
Get a realistic construction timeline from your contractor, then add buffer. Whole home remodels almost always take longer than initially projected.
Timeline Calculation
Contractor estimate: 10-12 months typical for whole home remodel
Buffer (20-30%): Add 2-4 months for weather, supply delays, unforeseen issues
Move-out cushion: Move out 2-4 weeks before construction starts
Move-in buffer: Plan to move in 2-4 weeks after substantial completion
Total: Plan temporary housing for 14-18 months for safety
Set Your Housing Budget
Temporary housing is a significant cost that should be in your overall project budget from the beginning, not an afterthought.
Monthly Budget Components
Base rent ($1,500-$4,000) + utilities if not included ($150-$300) + parking ($0-$200) + internet ($50-$100) + pet fees if applicable ($50-$100)
One-Time Costs
Security deposit (1-2 months rent) + pet deposit ($500-$1,500) + furnishing if needed ($2,000-$10,000) + moving costs ($1,000-$3,000)
Budget Example
14 months x $3,000/month = $42,000 rent + $6,000 deposit + $1,500 pet deposit + $3,000 moving = $52,500 total
Pro Tip: If you have equity in your home, consider drawing on your construction loan or HELOC to fund temporary housing. This keeps your liquid savings available for unexpected project costs.
Define Your Must-Haves
Before searching, list your non-negotiable requirements. This helps narrow options and prevents wasting time on unsuitable properties.
Location Factors
- • Distance from project site (20-30 min max)
- • Commute to work
- • School district (if applicable)
- • Proximity to daily needs
Space Requirements
- • Number of bedrooms
- • Office/work from home space
- • Storage for belongings
- • Outdoor space for pets
Pet Considerations
- • Pet policy and restrictions
- • Deposit and monthly fees
- • Breed/size limitations
- • Outdoor space for dogs
Term Requirements
- • Minimum lease length
- • Extension options
- • Early termination clause
- • Month-to-month availability
Search and Evaluate Options
Start searching 2-3 months before you need to move. This gives time to find the right place and negotiate terms.
Where to Search
Corporate housing providers (National Corporate Housing, Oakwood), Furnished Finder, Airbnb (30+ day stays), VRBO, Zillow (short-term filter), local property management companies
Evaluation Criteria
Tour in person if possible. Check furniture quality, kitchen usability, storage space, neighborhood noise, parking situation, and overall condition.
Compare Total Cost
Factor in all costs: rent, utilities, parking, pet fees, deposits. A $2,800/month all-inclusive may beat $2,200 plus $400 in extras.
Negotiate Flexible Terms
Flexibility is more important than lowest price. You need housing that can adapt to project timeline changes.
Extension Options
Negotiate the right to extend on a month-to-month basis at same or similar rate. Get this in writing in your lease.
Early Termination
If project finishes early, can you leave with 30-60 days notice? Some landlords allow this for a fee (typically one month rent).
Price Lock
Try to lock in rate for extensions. "Month-to-month at same rate" is better than "month-to-month at market rate."
Pro Tip: Explain your situation - landlords often prefer stable tenants who will stay 12-15 months over typical 12-month leases. Your longer stay may give you negotiating leverage.
Plan Your Move Timing
Coordinate your move-out with construction start, leaving buffer for both.
Recommended Timeline
- 2-3 months before: Begin housing search
- 6-8 weeks before: Secure housing, sign lease
- 4-6 weeks before: Book movers, begin packing non-essentials
- 2-4 weeks before: Move out of home to temporary housing
- 1-2 weeks before: Final walkthrough of empty house with contractor
- Construction start: House empty, contractor begins work
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Underestimating how long you'll need temporary housing
Consequence: Lease expires before project completes, scrambling for housing extensions, premium pricing for last-minute rentals
Prevention: Add 20-30% buffer to projected timeline. Secure 15 months for a 12-month project. Negotiate extension options upfront.
Not budgeting enough for temporary housing costs
Consequence: Insufficient funds force compromises on housing quality or draws from project contingency that may be needed elsewhere
Prevention: Include temporary housing in initial project budget. Budget $2,000-$5,000/month for 12-15 months. Have dedicated housing fund.
Signing inflexible lease terms
Consequence: Locked into paying for housing after project completes early, or facing penalties when project runs long
Prevention: Prioritize month-to-month or short-term leases with extension options. Accept slightly higher rent for flexibility.
Choosing housing too far from job site
Consequence: Difficult to monitor project progress, respond to contractor questions, or address issues quickly
Prevention: Stay within 20-30 minutes of your project. Proximity makes site visits easy and keeps you connected to progress.
Waiting until the last minute to secure housing
Consequence: Limited options, higher prices, potential gap between moving out and housing availability
Prevention: Start housing search 2-3 months before move-out date. Lock in housing 4-6 weeks before construction begins.
Not considering school districts for families with children
Consequence: Children must change schools or face long commutes, adding stress during already disruptive period
Prevention: Find housing in same school district or accept transfer. Coordinate timing with school year if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I plan for temporary housing?
Plan for 10-14 months minimum for whole home remodels. Add 20-30% buffer for delays. A 12-month projected timeline should have 15-month housing secured. Projects with additions or major structural work may take 18-24 months.
How much should I budget for temporary housing?
Budget $2,000-$5,000/month depending on market and needs. High-cost areas can exceed $6,000-$8,000. For a 12-month project, expect $25,000-$60,000 total. Include this in your overall project budget from the start.
What are the best options for families?
Corporate housing apartments offer the best balance - fully furnished, utilities included, flexible terms. Renting a house in the same school district keeps kids in their schools. Avoid extended stay hotels for more than a few weeks with children.
Can I stay in my house during construction?
Not recommended and often not possible. Construction creates unsafe conditions: no utilities, exposed electrical, dust and debris. Most permits require the home be unoccupied. Some minor remodels allow partial occupancy, but whole home projects require moving out.
How do I handle pets during renovation?
Start housing search early - pet-friendly options are limited. Corporate housing and house rentals are more pet-friendly. Expect pet deposits ($500-$1,500) and monthly pet rent ($25-$100). Some landlords limit pet size or breed.