How to live in a house during a bathroom renovation?
Renovating a bathroom is an exciting venture, but it can bring a few challenges, especially if you’re living in the house while the work’s underway. With tradespeople coming and going, water shut-offs, and limited access to bathroom facilities, it’s easy to feel like your home has turned into a construction site. However, with some careful planning and a bit of flexibility, you can make it through the process smoothly. When working with experienced professionals like Portsmouth bathroom fitters at Prowess Developments, you’ll also find they’re committed to minimising disruptions and ensuring the renovation goes as smoothly as possible.
Common Challenges of Living Through a Bathroom Renovation
Limited Access to Facilities
One of the first hurdles in a bathroom renovation is that your main bathroom becomes off-limits. If your household relies on that single bathroom, you’ll need to find alternative arrangements for showering, brushing teeth, and using the toilet. For homes with an additional bathroom, this isn’t much of a concern, but if you’re limited to one, you’ll need to plan carefully.
Consider setting up a temporary station in another room – even the kitchen can double up for basic hygiene if needed. And if you’re dealing with more than a day or two of downtime, it might be worth reaching out to friends or family for bathroom access.
Noise and Dust
Bathrooms tend to be in the heart of the home, meaning any construction noise or dust can spread quickly. Sanding, drilling, and tile cutting create dust and noise that can be both disruptive and messy. While reputable bathroom fitters in Portsmouth, like Prowess Developments, will make every effort to keep things contained, there’s no escaping a bit of mess during a full-scale renovation.
To mitigate this, try setting up dust barriers if you have young children or pets who might be sensitive to the noise or dust. You could even invest in earplugs for a quieter experience if you’re working from home.
Making Life Easier for You and Your Tradesmen
Set Up Clear Communication Channels
One of the best ways to ensure a smooth renovation is to establish open communication with your tradesmen. Letting them know about your schedule, or if you have certain routines, helps them work around your family’s needs. For example, if there’s a time when you’ll need access to water, or if you’re working from home and need quiet at specific hours, it’s best to share these in advance.
At Prowess Developments, the team values client communication, as it not only makes the workday flow smoother but also ensures that everyone is on the same page. Most tradespeople are more than willing to work around your needs if they’re aware of them.
Stay Out of the Way, But Stay Available
While it’s essential to respect the tradesmen’s workspace and avoid unnecessary interference, staying nearby can be beneficial if they have questions or need your input. For instance, they may want confirmation on fixture placements, tile patterns, or any design elements you’re customising. By making yourself available, you can help the project stay on track without interruptions.
If you’re working with Portsmouth bathroom fitters like those at Prowess Developments, you’ll find they keep you informed about the progress and upcoming steps, so there are no surprises along the way. Trusting their expertise and keeping a respectful distance allows them to do their best work without feeling micromanaged.
Tips to Make the Experience More Comfortable
Prepare for Temporary Disruptions
Since a bathroom renovation often comes with temporary interruptions to water supply or power, it helps to plan your day around these. Find out in advance when your tradesmen will need to shut off water or electricity, allowing you to shower or complete any household chores beforehand.
You can also minimise disruptions by making a few adjustments to your routine. Showering the night before, brushing teeth in the kitchen, and limiting water usage at certain times can keep you comfortable without interrupting the workers’ schedule. Reputable bathroom fitters in Portsmouth will give you plenty of notice before any major shut-offs or particularly disruptive tasks.
Set Up a Temporary Bathroom Zone
In homes with just one bathroom, setting up a temporary hygiene station in another room can be a lifesaver. Designate an area with essentials like a mirror, toiletries, and a basin if you need it. Even a simple setup with a few necessities can make a big difference. When working with Prowess Developments, the team is more than willing to help you arrange these makeshift stations if it means a smoother experience for you during the renovation.
For families, creating a rotation for bathroom access or timing routines around the tradesmen’s schedule can keep everything running smoothly. Children, for example, may benefit from brushing teeth before bedtime instead of right before school if that’s when tradesmen are most active.
Alternatives to Staying at Home During the Renovation
Staying with Friends or Family
If the idea of living through a renovation feels overwhelming, staying with friends or family can be an excellent short-term solution. This way, you avoid the noise, dust, and hassle altogether, returning home only after the work is complete. Not everyone has this option, of course, but even staying for a night or two during the messiest stages can offer some relief.
Renting a Short-Term Accommodation
For larger or particularly disruptive renovations, some people opt to rent a short-term accommodation. Many services offer affordable weekly rates, and it allows you to bypass the stress and inconvenience of living on-site. This is especially helpful if you’re renovating multiple areas of your home at once, as it keeps you out of the tradesmen’s way, ensuring they can work efficiently without interruptions.
Prowess Developments understands that every homeowner’s needs are different, and they work closely with clients to determine the most suitable arrangements. Some clients feel more comfortable staying on-site, while others prefer to vacate for the duration. Whatever your preference, they strive to make the process as smooth and accommodating as possible.
Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Bathroom Renovation
Living in a house during a bathroom renovation isn’t always easy, but with a bit of planning, flexibility, and clear communication with your tradesmen, you can make it manageable. With professional bathroom fitters in Portsmouth like Prowess Developments on the job, you can trust that every effort will be made to keep things running smoothly. Whether you’re setting up temporary hygiene stations, coordinating with family members, or even considering a short-term accommodation, there are plenty of ways to navigate the renovation without too much disruption.
Remember, the temporary inconvenience will soon lead to a beautiful, functional new bathroom that adds value and comfort to your home. In the meantime, embracing the process with a positive outlook can make all the difference.
Looking for someone to install your bathroom? Prowess Developments are ready to help! Just reach out to speak to your friendly Bathroom Fitters and schedule your FREE in-home estimate. We’ll handle everything to get you the bathroom you want. Call 07878380036 or fill in this form to get started!