Yes — in most cases, you can live in your home while it’s being renovated.
At Addstyle, the many of our clients choose to stay on site throughout their renovation or extension, and with intelligent planning, it’s often not just possible, but entirely practical.
Whether you’re managing a busy household, juggling work and school runs, or simply want to avoid the disruption of relocating, staying in your home during construction is achievable — particularly with a boutique builder that values respectful site management and client comfort.
How Addstyle Makes Living at Home During Renovation Possible
Intelligent Site Management
From the outset, we approach each renovation with liveability in mind. That includes:
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Partitioning to physically separate construction zones from living spaces
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Controlled access to minimise disruption and ensure safety
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Coordinated work hours and tidy sites to reduce impact on your daily routine
Our team is highly experienced in working within occupied homes. We prioritise communication, courtesy and site-organisation.
Second Storey Additions Are Especially Accommodation-Friendly
If your project involves a second storey addition, you’ll likely be able to remain in the home with little interruption for much of the build. These extensions are typically constructed from the top down, with trades working externally and from scaffold for the majority of the process.
We don’t break through to the ground floor until late in the program – often just before internal staircase installation and final finishes. This means your ground level remains secure and functional for the bulk of the construction period.
Real Client Experience: A Family of Five Stayed On-Site
One of our recent clients shared their experience renovating while living on site with a young family:
“We are a family of five and stayed living in the house during the build, so I cannot say how important the trades’ behaviour was. All trades were extremely courteous and respectful – and without exception, did quality work.”
“Our site supervisor, had the task of keeping the job moving, maintaining a keen eye on quality, and dealing with me on a regular basis. Especially in the lead-up to Christmas, he and his team pulled out all stops to reach Practical Completion before the break.”
“We’re really happy with the quality of the build – and even ended up with a bonus utility room where the stairs were placed, which became a surprising feature. From design through construction, I can certainly recommend Addstyle. Great team, and a good quality build.” A.J.Parker, Salter Point
Read more real client reviews here.
When You Might Need to Move Out Temporarily
While most projects allow for continued occupancy, there are a few circumstances where temporary relocation may be recommended, including:
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Whole-home makeovers involving full demolition or reconfiguration
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Simultaneous kitchen and bathroom works
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Prolonged disconnection of essential services like water or electricity
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Asbestos removal or other hazardous processes
In these cases, we’ll advise well in advance and, where possible, schedule the most disruptive work within a defined timeframe to minimise downtime.
Tips for Living in Your Home During a Renovation
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Set up a defined “safe zone” for your family, well away from construction
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Communicate your routine and access needs to your supervisor
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Consider an alternative location like a cafe or library if you work from home, for periods when power tools are in operation
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Be understanding – At the end of the day, your home is a building site for the duration of works.
- Don’t interfere with the team – You engaged them to undertake the work, they’re best left to it without interruption.
You’re Not Just a Project – You’re Our Priority
Renovation building is unlike new home construction; it is far more emotional, as we’re entering an existing family home. That’s why at Addstyle, we understand that we don’t just build homes – we build trusted relationships. We respect the families that we build for and the homes we are entering, which is why we have strict site conduct policies for our tradespeople such as no smoking, no swearing, no dogs and no loud music.
Whether it’s a carefully staged building program, considerate site access, or simply tradespeople who treat your home with respect, we ensure that staying on site is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you live in your house while it’s being renovated?
Yes. Many clients can remain in their home throughout construction, particularly for projects like second storey additions and rear extensions where works can be isolated.
What types of renovations require moving out?
You may need to temporarily relocate for full-house makeovers, concurrent wet area upgrades, or where services will be disrupted for extended periods.
Is it safe to live at home during renovation with children?
Yes, provided the builder follows best-practice safety protocols. At Addstyle, where possible, we create physical barriers between living and work zones and ensure all trades adhere to strict site behaviour standards. That said, it’s important to remember that your home is a building site, and extra supervision and care must be taken by all on the property.
How do you manage dust and disruption?
Dust and disruption are inevitable. However we attempt to minimise this by installing partitioning, using dust extraction where required, and keeping sites clean and well-managed. Communication is ongoing so clients are always informed of key stages.
Can I use my kitchen and bathroom during a renovation?
Yes, in many cases. If access to these spaces will be impacted, we work with clients to create temporary alternatives or schedule work to minimise inconvenience.
Thinking About Renovating?
If you’re planning a second storey addition, character renovation or home extension and want to know whether staying in the home is an option, we’re here to help.
We offer a complimentary consultation to explore your goals, assess your home, and tailor a plan that suits your needs — and your lifestyle.
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