Living on site: Should I stay or should I go?
There’s a huge temptation to ‘see how it goes’, but unless your works are small and contained (a bathroom update possibly) then YOU may end up being the biggest hindrance to your project’s success. Here are the reasons why it makes more sense to move out…
Living on a building site is unpleasant
The first job on any project is out with the old – and that means dust! The build dust gets everywhere, even into well sealed rooms – how is a mystery. Dealing with this level of grime on a daily basis makes it incredibly hard to live in and retain your sanity. Living on a building site is always very unpleasant.
“Two fifths (40%) of past renovators said living in the property during the dust and disruption was their biggest challenge . . . while 14% said it was the biggest regret of the project”
Hiscox renovations and extensions report 2018
It's difficult to find last minute accommodation
By the time people realise that they can no longer face living on site they’re in a difficult position; it can be hard to find last minute accommodation and arranging to move out is the last thing you need to be doing in the middle of a build project. Your time would be better spent making sure your taps are on site when the builder needs them.
You can help your builders be more productive
Builders on an occupied site have to make time to clean up at the end of each day when they could be working. The complication of having people coming and going on site slows things down immensely and the schedule will need to be adjusted to focus on keeping the property habitable rather than the quickest route to completion.
It's hard to keep a cool head!
Generally having to cohabitate in this way makes everyone stressed and unhappy, meaning tensions are high and potential fall outs are more likely.
It is possible to be on site too much!
There are benefits to being onsite every day to check on progress, however, in our experience, the temptation to have ad hoc daily informal site conversations with the contractors can lead to misunderstandings. It’s best to let the contractors get on with the task in hand and make sure you have regular but planned site meetings instead where the build can be reviewed.
Spending money on rent or staying with the in-laws may not be the most appealing options at the outset, but once work starts we’re sure you won’t regret the decision!
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This will put your construction budget in the context of the whole project’s costs and make sure you’re considering all those added extras from the outset.
