Regardless of the type of project, you're taking on, be it a self-build, renovation, or extension, living on-site comes with numerous advantages. Not only will you make considerable savings on rent - particularly if you live in an expensive, urban area where prices are high - but you'll be able to keep a close eye on progress, without having to spend time commuting back and forth to the place you're staying. Being on-site 24/7 means you'll be available if your builder has any questions, too, ranging from small queries about the positioning of plug sockets to bigger inquiries about room layouts and final finishes.
That being said, the decision to live on-site during major works should never be taken lightly, as there will be a certain amount of disruption involved. Your social life will be affected, especially if you plan on spending evenings and weekends doing some straightforward DIY tasks yourself. "It's important to have manageable expectations," says Jake Crawford, a project manager at Parkwood Builders. "Even in instances where a great deal of thought has been given to the homeowner's comfort, there will be occasions where noise and dust breach the area of the property you live in. It's important to be aware of this and be mentally prepared to deal with it."
1. Who will be living on-site?
Before deciding to go ahead with your plan to live on-site for the duration of the build, take stock of who you need to accommodate and the facilities they'll require on a day-to-day basis. For example, the hazards of a building site are less than ideal if you have young children or pets - you'll need to be able to zone off the construction area completely to make this scenario work. Protective hoarding or partitions can be put into separate living and construction areas.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة March 2022 من Homebuilding & Renovating.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة March 2022 من Homebuilding & Renovating.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
SOLAR MYTHS DEBUNKED
We ask the experts about the truth behind 12 common myths around solar panels...
Experience pays
Seasoned renovators Sue and Jim Savege put their knowledge and skills to the test when renovating and extending their 19th-century Scottish cottage
10 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN EXTENDING YOUR HOME
You've got your plans in place and are close to getting started on site, but what other key tasks need completing to keep everything on track? Here's what you need to consider...
Lofts Conversion glazing
Extending upwards is a great way to gain extra space but it is crucial to get the glazing right to capture views, control the light and prevent overheating
A modern slant
After buying an east London Victorian terrace, one couple decided to extend it outwards and upwards to make it fit for 21st-century living
A BUILDER'S VIEW
Make sure you get accurate quotes for your project by following this key advice
12 tips for tackling a slow renovation
Taking on a renovation project? Consider our tips on doing it in your own time and undertaking the work in stages to avoid the pressures of a strict deadline
PLANNING LOOPHOLES
If you get familiar with some of the lesser-known rules, they may just help you get approval for your project
Pastures greener
Having built their previous home themselves Paul and Johanna Suter decided a custom oak frame self-build in a verdant setting was the perfect choice for creating their family home
In perfect harmony
Susi Clark's long-held wish for creating a combined home and workspace came to fruition on a tricky sloping site