Can You Live at Home During a Major Remodel? Pros, Cons, and Strategies

William Olson

Many homeowners in Redwood City, Atherton, and Menlo Park wonder whether they can stay in their house during a remodel. The short answer: it depends on the scale of the project. Some kitchen or bathroom updates may allow you to remain at home, while large whole-home renovations or additions often make temporary relocation more practical and comfortable. Calwest Builders helps homeowners understand what’s realistic and what daily life may look like during luxury remodeling in Silicon Valley.

 

Understanding Your Options During a Remodel

Calwest Builders has guided many Redwood City and Peninsula homeowners through major renovations. Whether you can remain in place depends on safety, access, and how much of the home will be under construction. Staying at home can save money and keep you close to the project, but it also requires planning.

 

When Living at Home Is Feasible

Smaller or isolated projects typically allow homeowners to stay put, especially when only one zone of the house is affected.

Examples include:

  • Kitchen-only renovations where a temporary kitchen setup is possible
  • Single bathroom remodeling projects
  • Partial home renovations where bedrooms remain accessible

In these cases, work zones can be isolated, daily routines adjusted, and temporary solutions put in place.

 

When Temporary Relocation Makes More Sense

For major structural work, full-floor renovations, or down-to-the-studs remodeling, remaining at home becomes difficult. In homes across Atherton, Menlo Park, and Redwood City, luxury whole-home renovations often involve electrical updates, plumbing reroutes, flooring replacement, and strategic wall removal.

 

During these phases, noise, dust, and limited access can make living in the home inconvenient or unsafe. Families with young children, pets, or remote work needs often choose short-term housing alternatives to make the experience easier.

 

What to Expect by Project Type

 

Kitchen Remodels

A temporary kitchen setup can be created using a spare room, garage, or outdoor area. This allows many homeowners to continue living at home during the bulk of a kitchen remodel.

 

Bathroom Remodels

If your home has at least one other functioning bathroom, staying home is usually manageable. Master suite renovations may require adjusting routines for a few weeks.

 

Whole-Home Renovations

Luxury whole-home remodeling in Silicon Valley often means simultaneous updates across multiple rooms, upgraded systems, and structural improvements. In these situations, moving out temporarily is usually the most comfortable solution.

 

Home Additions

Ground-level additions often allow homeowners to remain at home because the new space is built outside the current footprint. Second-story additions, however, can make living at home challenging during framing and structural phases.

 

Strategies for Staying Comfortable If You Stay Home

If you choose to remain on-site, planning ahead makes all the difference.

Here are a few helpful approaches:

  • Establish a temporary kitchen or bathing area
  • Use air purifiers to improve indoor air quality
  • Define “quiet hours” that work around your schedule
  • Secure areas for pets or young children
  • Communicate early about contractor arrival times

Calwest Builders works with homeowners to build a practical plan that fits their day-to-day life while construction is underway.

 

Why Many Homeowners Choose to Move Out Temporarily

For larger projects, temporary relocation reduces stress and shortens construction time. Without the need to coordinate around daily living needs, crews can work more efficiently, complete phases faster, and keep the home fully available for progress.

Silicon Valley homeowners often choose short-term rentals or stay with family for the most invasive phases, then return during final finish work.

 

These pages offer deeper insight into specific project types and what you can expect during each phase.

 

Thinking About a Major Remodel?

If you're preparing for a renovation in Redwood City, Atherton, Menlo Park, or surrounding Silicon Valley neighborhoods, Calwest Builders can help you evaluate whether staying home is practical for your specific project. We’ll walk you through phasing options, impact levels, and comfortable strategies tailored to your home.

 

Reach out today to discuss a plan that fits your family and your remodeling goals.