Saying that renovating your home while still living in it is a hassle is probably the understatement of the year, especially if you're already short on space. And with most of us living in HDBs and condo apartments where space is always a premium, well, Houston, we have a problem. If moving out isn’t an option, these tips below should help make the process of living in while renovating just a bit easier. And spoiler alert: it's really not that impossible.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Ensure one bathroom and essential utilities are operational</h3>Try to keep access to a functional bathroom during your renovation if possible. It's a good idea to have at least one working toilet and shower available at all times. If your renovation involves your only bathroom, make it a priority to get that done first so you can have it up and running as soon as you can. You might also consider breaking the work into phases, like renovating the toilet separately from the shower area.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1216/1824;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/72a68837-b931-49d3-b0f4-d69fa0b6db57-blob" width="1216" height="1824"></figure>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/le-interior-affairs">Le Interior Affairs</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;If your schedule is tight or if there are any delays, consider scouting out for nearby public restrooms. Alternatively, if you have friends or family close by, ask if you can use their facilities during the busiest days of your renovation.Also, make sure that the plumbing, electricity, and heating or cooling systems continue to function normally in the areas of your home that you're still using. This will help keep stress levels down and minimise disruptions to your daily routine.&nbsp;<h3>Manage dust and noise (as best as you can)</h3>Dust and noise are both unavoidable when you're renovating your home. From my experience living through a renovation, I can tell you that it’s nearly impossible to keep dust out of parts of the house that aren't being worked on. Your best bet is to minimise and manage it as much as you can.I really recommend investing in an air purifier. Running one consistently in your living areas can significantly improve air quality and help filter out those dust particles that sneak in from the renovation zones. While air purifiers do a lot, you'll still have to do some cleaning each day though. Stock up on cleaning supplies like wet wipes and disposable floor wipes for quick cleanups between renovation phases.To keep dust contained, consider sealing off the work areas with heavy-duty plastic sheets. Most contractors or interior designers will be able to provide these, but it's a good idea to grab some extras to cover your furniture or seal up any gaps in doorways leading to the parts of the home you're living in.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1824/1216;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/e06b4ee8-31b5-490e-95db-e3c05ccd22fd-blob" width="1824" height="1216"></figure>&nbsp;On top of dust, noise is another major challenge during renovations. A solid pair of noise-cancelling headphones can &nbsp;give you a quiet space to work, relax or catch some sleep. If you can, try to schedule the loudest tasks for when you're not home.You might also want to have a chat with your contractor about work hours as well, suggesting that they tackle the noisier jobs during the day when you're likely to be out. Just be aware of renovation regulations in Singapore, especially if you're in an HDB flat. For HDBs, noisy renovation work like demolition and drilling is allowed from 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays, but not on weekends or public holidays. If you're in a condominium, it's best to check with your MCST for specific rules.&nbsp;<h3>Make yourself (somewhat) comfortable</h3>One thing many people overlook during home renovations is comfort. You definitely don't want to be forced to sit on the floor, on hard stools or uncomfortable chairs after a long day.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1280/854;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/9a491b21-65e4-4b4b-9c7a-f9440a253a9f-blob" width="1280" height="854"></figure>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/ascend-designs">Ascend Design</a>&nbsp;So try to set aside at least one area with comfy seating—maybe a cosy armchair, a soft couch that's easy to clean, or if you're short on space, a sofa bed that can serve as both seating during the day and a place to sleep at night. Since renovation dust can cling to fabrics, choose items that are easy to clean or can be covered with washable covers that you can just throw in the washer to clean. &nbsp;Also, consider creating a dedicated relaxation zone that’s free from renovation chaos. This way, you can mentally separate the construction areas from your personal retreat, helping you avoid feeling overwhelmed by the ongoing work.&nbsp;<h3>Create a makeshift kitchen</h3>If you're giving your kitchen a makeover, you are probably not going to get any cooking done. Even if you're not renovating, it can still be a hassle to prepare meals with all the disruption going on. To make things easier, set up a temporary meal prep area in a corner of your living space. Include essentials like a microwave, a portable stove, a kettle for quick meals or hot drinks, and a small refrigerator if you can.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1216/1824;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/2bbeff34-fb67-45e7-8d3a-7c5a85523e3a-blob" width="1216" height="1824"></figure>&nbsp;Stock up on easy-to-make foods and ready meals—think items that don't need much prep or cooking time. You might also want to use disposable cutlery for now, as washing dishes during a renovation can be a hassle, and it will mean less clean-up amid all the dust and noise. Keeping things clean is also key, especially in your food prep area. Try to position your makeshift kitchen away from the messier renovation zones to help keep it dust-free.&nbsp;<blockquote>Need a hand with your home renovation? You've come to the right place. Just fill out the form <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/get-free-quote">here</a> and we'll connect you with up to 6 recommended interior design firms that will fit your needs.&nbsp;</blockquote>&nbsp;<h3>Keep things organised and labelled</h3>You'll probably find yourself surrounded by boxes and storage bins during your renovation, so do keep everything organised and clearly labelled to reduce stress and save you time every time you need to find something. Opt for clear plastic bins instead of cardboard ones—they do a better job at keeping dust out and let you easily see what's inside.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1824/1216;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/f1e9d484-2a4f-4dd4-bb0c-aea22cfc1a32-blob" width="1824" height="1216"></figure>&nbsp;Consider setting aside a specific area in your home as your storage zone. This is where you can keep items that don't need to be moved around constantly. Choose a spot that won't be part of the renovation until the very end, so your belongings can stay safe and undisturbed. If space is tight, you might want to look into renting a storage unit elsewhere for the duration of the project. This is especially handy for bulky or valuable items that need extra care.If you do have to move things around, consider a trolley for transporting heavier items like boxes, appliances, or even furniture. While many contractors bring their own equipment, having your own can minimise delays and miscommunications.Keep your valuables and important documents secure as well. Store them in a safe place—ideally somewhere out of the renovation zone. If you're concerned about space or security, think about using a temporary storage facility or asking a trusted family member to hold onto them.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Set realistic expectations</h3>Perhaps one of the most important aspects of living through a home renovation is managing your expectations. Renovations rarely go exactly as planned, and delays or extra costs can quickly add up. Mentally prepare yourself for the unexpected, and try to maintain a flexible mindset. Track progress daily and spot any potential issues early on. Taking photos will also be helpful as this can help you flag your concerns with your contractor or ID.&nbsp;Before the reno, have a detailed discussion with your contractor about timelines, budgets and project scope. Make sure that everyone involved is on the same page, and that you have a clear, detailed contract that outlines all aspects of the project. This should include deadlines, the materials to be used and a cost breakdown. Having these details in writing can help prevent misunderstandings down the line and keep the project on track.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1824/1216;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/70236e06-9b0f-4b9c-896e-130d2569b5d9-blob" width="1824" height="1216"></figure>&nbsp;Renovations can disrupt your daily routine; even more so if you're living through one! Establish clear work hours and rules with your contractor. Perhaps you agree that loud work should stop after a certain time, or that the work area is cleaned up at the end of each day. While it's essential to have some flexibility, having some ground rules can help maintain a semblance of normalcy in your day-to-day life. Both you and your contractor need to compromise a bit to ensure that the project runs smoothly while you're still living in the space.Finally, avoid frustration by planning ahead. Many essential materials, appliances and fixtures have long lead times. To minimise disruptions during your reno process, do order your supplies and furnishings well in advance.

Surviving a Home Renovation While Living In

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