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SAN JOSE — If you’re a Bay Area homeowner looking to upgrade to a nicer house, you may find yourself in a predicament. After all, due to the high cost of housing, even if you sell your current home, you may not be able to afford a new one. Fortunately, there’s an alternative to relocating: remodeling. By remodeling and/or adding on to your existing house, you can get your dream home without having to pack a single box.
Then again, if you’re having major remodeling done to your home, you may want to consider moving out for the duration. While your contractor can make your home livable during the project, there are several good reasons to relocate until the work is complete. Here are three to consider.
1. Time frame
A contractor can accommodate you if you choose to live at home during your remodeling project, but the time and effort spent making your home livable can hold up the job’s progress considerably. For example, the contractor has to ensure access to utilities like gas, water and power, which can be tricky depending on what’s being worked on. Additionally, the need to clean up the jobsite on a daily basis can cut into the crew’s productivity. In contrast, when you’re not inhabiting the space, the crew can focus on the work rather than on making accommodations, which results in a more efficient job.
2. Liability
Even if you’ve hired a conscientious construction team, accidents can still happen, and the workers aren’t the only ones who are at risk. The chance for accidental injuries during a remodeling project increases when the home’s inhabitants are present, even more so if they include small children. Moving out of your home for the duration of your project will minimize the amount of liability related to accidental injuries.
3. Health concerns
Construction work creates a lot of dust, which can make for a less-than-healthy living environment. Even when measures are taken to abate dust, it’s impossible to arrest it all. Various materials and chemicals used in construction can also cause potential health reactions. And don’t forget about mental health: Construction sites are often chaotic, with lots of noise and activity, which can be trying for homeowners in need of peace and quiet.