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.
Denne historien er fra March 2022-utgaven av Homebuilding & Renovating.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra March 2022-utgaven av Homebuilding & Renovating.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Back to black
Dramatic black finishes and industrial touches add impact to Charlotte and Sam Tisdall's extended end-terrace home
Change for good
A last-minute decision to build a kitchen extension instead of a general update turned out to be a wise move for the owners of this detached period property
High praise
After converting a run-down gospel hall into a unique 1930s-inspired home-complete with geodesic dome - Alice Deuchar and Daniel Schamroth pronounced it a resounding succes
Lifetime achievement
Replacing a tired 1960s bungalow with a bespoke prefabricated contemporary house allowed retired architect Helen Heslop Brunt and her husband Martin to fulfil a long-held dream
Self-build for beginners PART 13 PRE-CONSTRUCTION GUIDE
Make sure that your insurance, health and safety, build and cost schedules and all documents are all in place before kick-off
ECO LANDSCAPING
Creating a garden with green credentials isn't without its challenges, but there are plenty of ways you can reduce its impact on the environment, once you know how
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT PASSIVHAUS VENTILATION?
Heat and energy expert David Hilton explains the benefits, options and costs of this ultimate heating standard
HOW MUCH DOES EXTERNAL WALL INSULATION COST?
It's touted as an affordable home insulation method, but is external wall insulation worth the outlay and what are the lifetime costs? We look at the figures...
Open-plan kitchen DAVID HOCKNEY EXTENSIONS
From structural considerations and zoning to layout ideas and lighting, our practical guide to creating your new space has it covered
RENOVATING A GEORGIAN HOME
Known for their elegant architectural features, Georgian homes need to be restored sensitively to make them fit for modern life