Should You Go Out of Town While Your Home Is Being Renovated?

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Emily Fazio | Last updated 3/13/24

Any home improvement project requires lots of planning and scheduling, as well as adopting a certain comfort level to having a construction crew in your home early in the morning until, sometimes, very late at night. I've only ever stayed in my home during renovations, so imagine my surprise to learn that leaving home during a renovation is... increasingly popular? So much so that we decided to ask the pros at Block Renovation about their stance on taking a "renocation" (renovation + vacation).

"Many first-time renovators want to stay nearby just in case, but repeat renovators are more likely and willing to relocate to another city while their renovation is underway," shares Jon McCauley, Renovation Consultant for Block Renovation. "More and more, homeowners are getting out of their homes and heading out of town while their renos are in progress, easing the stress of home improvements all around."

It will minimize disruptions. Relocating during your renovation reduces the noise and chaos, so that your daily routine stays peaceful and stress-free.
You can ensure your family’s safety. Moving out mitigates safety hazards and health risks from construction materials, dust, and fumes, especially for those with allergies or respiratory issues.
Your renovation can go faster. An empty home enables contractors to work more efficiently, speeding up the renovation timeline.
It offers flexibility for your contractors. Relocation allows contractors to work uninterrupted during regular hours, enhancing productivity and work quality. It also gives them unrestricted access to your whole home, so they can do more extensive work.

What to Know Before You Plan Your Vacation

Before you pack up your beach towels and plan your renocation getaway, make sure you have a trustworthy contractor with a proven track record. And then, make certain that they're okay with you being out of town. While many contractors are perfectly happy to do the job without the homeowner underfoot, some prefer to have in-person meetings and check-ins to keep the projects on track.

"We recommend looking for someone who is fully vetted, licensed, and insured, and has a project manager as part of their crew. You and your contractor should establish clear and regular communication, setting up frequent updates and virtual check-ins to monitor progress," says McCauley. "It's crucial to have a detailed contract outlining the scope of work, timelines, and payment schedules. You should also plan for a way to safeguard your valuables."

He adds, "Delays and issues can happen. Having a neighbor or family member nearby in case of emergencies is always helpful as well."

Would it be better to stay nearby?

Depending on the scope of your renovation project and your desired involvement, a mini-vacation within an hour from home is sometimes the best choice. It's just far enough to allow you to get out of the construction dust and enjoy a change of scenery, but still be just a car ride away for regular check-ins. For some projects? They say you can travel as far as your budget allows.

"We’ve had homeowners travel near and far during their major home renovations," adds McCauley. "One NYC couple spent a few weeks in Cape Cod with their kids while their bathroom was being renovated, and it went so well that the following summer they went back while remodeling their kitchen. Another homeowner left New York to stay with family in Colorado during her bathroom remodeling project. One homeowner, who is a touring musician, timed his travels throughout Europe with his kitchen renovation."

That said, make sure you have Wi-Fi and cell service wherever you stay. "Don't go somewhere that's completely off the grid," agrees McCauley. "This is not the time to be on a remote island. You need to be able to communicate quickly and easily with your contractor."

A Case for Staying at Home

If you feel apprehensive about leaving your house unattended during the entire renovation process, go with your gut. If it's your first time working with the contractor, or your first time doing a major renovation at home, being on-site does have its benefits. As time goes on, you may become more comfortable with the contractor and the crew, and feel more at ease leaving for a few days to get a break. If you keep open lines of communication with your contractor and set up regular updates or virtual check-ins, it's easy to stay informed about the progress and address any issues promptly.

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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