Can I live in my home during a renovation or extension project?

One of the most common questions we get at Curtis Construction is whether clients can remain living in their homes while renovations or extensions are underway. The answer largely depends on the scope of work, the layout of your home, and your comfort level with temporary disruption.

For smaller renovations, such as a bathroom makeover or minor kitchen upgrade, it's usually possible to stay in the home. We do our best to contain the work area, manage dust, and schedule works in a way that minimises inconvenience to your daily life. In these cases, we often work in stages so you always have access to essential areas like bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens.

However, for larger renovations — such as full house transformations, ground floor extensions that affect living spaces, or upper-storey additions — it can be much more disruptive. You may be dealing with:

• Temporary loss of power, water, or bathroom access

• Dust, noise, and restricted access to key areas

• Structural works or open walls/roofs during construction

• Increased safety risks, especially for children or pets

In these cases, many clients choose to move out temporarily, either staying with family, renting nearby, or arranging alternate accommodation. While this adds an extra cost, it can also accelerate the build and reduce stress during the construction phase.

Ultimately, whether you can live at home during the renovation is something we’ll discuss with you during the quoting and planning stages. We’ll consider the project size, safety requirements, and your family’s needs before making a recommendation. Our goal is always to work with minimal disruption and clear communication throughout the process.