Can I Stay in My House During Construction?

Sam Bigelow • August 22, 2024

At Bigelow Construction, we understand that the thought of undergoing a home renovation can be both exciting and daunting. The cost and disruption inherent in even the best managed renovations can be a lot, we know. That’s why we do our absolute best to keep you in your home for as long as we can during your renovation.


Given the cost and disruption that renovations entail, one of the most common questions we get from our clients is, "Can I stay in my house during construction?".

 

The short answer is yes, you can. In fact, staying in your home during a renovation is often more convenient and less disruptive than many homeowners anticipate, especially when you partner with a company like Bigelow Construction that specializes in innovative site management and communication solutions.


Expertise in Old Toronto Renovations

Founded and operated to this day in the heart of the west end of Old Toronto, Bigelow Construction has extensive experience working on the older homes that are characteristic of our neighbourhood. Our team understands the specific challenges and nuances of renovating older homes in the tightly knit communities of the west end. We take pride in preserving the integrity and character of these residences and communities while incorporating modern updates that enhance both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

A Story of Strength and Trust: Living Through a Renovation

To give you a better sense of what it’s like to stay in your home during a renovation, let me share a story from one of our first addition projects. We worked with a client who was not only navigating the excitement of a major home addition but was also expecting her second child. Understandably, she was concerned about whether she could remain in her home during the renovation. After discussing our approach, she decided to stay—and it turned out to be one of the best decisions for her growing family.


Throughout the renovation, she remained in her home, and we made sure the environment was as comfortable and safe as possible. Using our innovative site management solutions, we were able to control dust and noise, allowing her to live her day-to-day life with minimal disruption. Incredibly, she only left her home to deliver her baby, and by the time she returned, her new addition was nearly complete.



This story is a testament to how effective planning and thoughtful execution can make it entirely possible—and even preferable—to stay in your home during a renovation. Her experience helped her feel connected to the project and confident that everything was progressing smoothly, all while preparing for the arrival of her little one.

Innovative Site Management Solutions

At Bigelow Construction, our innovative site management solutions are designed with your comfort, and the exorbitant costs of rentals in Toronto, in mind. Here’s how we make it possible for you to stay in your home during the renovation process:


  • Clear Communication, Planning, and Client Portal:

Before we start any project, we work closely with you to develop a comprehensive plan that outlines each phase of the renovation. We use CoConstruct's Client Portal, a powerful tool that allows you to track progress, view schedules, access important documents, and communicate directly with our team. This clear communication and transparency help you stay informed, engaged, and confident throughout the renovation process.


  • Dust and Noise Control:

Dust and Noise Control: We employ advanced dust and noise control techniques to keep your living environment as comfortable as possible. This includes sealing off construction areas, using air filtration systems, and scheduling noisy activities during times that are least disruptive to you and your family.


  • INNOVATIVE SITE ACCESS SOLUTIONS:

To ensure you can move around your home safely and conveniently during renovations, we offer several innovative site access solutions:

Custom-Built Site Access Stairs: Temporary stairs designed to allow access to construction areas without disrupting your day to day life.


Temporary Walls and Doors: Dust-tight barriers that separate construction areas from your living space, helping to control noise and debris.


Specialized Entrances: Creation or modification of entrances, such as adding temporary external doors or converting windows into access points, so you can bypass construction zones and maintain your routine.

Modular Work Zones: Dividing the renovation into smaller, manageable sections to minimize the impact on your living space and allow you to live comfortably in unaffected areas of your home.


Safety and Cleanliness: Safety is our top priority and cleanliness is how we make things safe. We maintain a clean and organized worksite to ensure that your home remains a safe place to live. This includes daily clean-ups and secure storage of tools and materials.


Flexible Scheduling: We understand that some days just aren’t ideal for us to be in your space, and some weeks you’re out of town and we can go to town. Our team is flexible and can adjust schedules to accommodate your lifestyle and your family’s schedule, ensuring that the renovation process is as smooth as possible.


The Bigelow Difference

Choosing Bigelow Construction means choosing a company that values your comfort and convenience. Our expertise in Old Toronto renovations, combined with our commitment to innovative site management, sets us apart. Just as we did with our client and her new baby, we’re here to support you through every step of the renovation process, making sure you can continue living in your home without unnecessary stress or disruption.


If you’re considering a renovation and want to stay in your home during the process, contact Bigelow Construction today.


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