Home renovations are exciting. They’re full of possibility and fresh starts, but they can also be loud, dusty, emotional, and unexpectedly exhausting.
There are layers to a renovation that most homeowners don’t fully understand until they’re living in it. The day-to-day reality of cooking outside, setting up a makeshift kitchen in the garage, or navigating constant change can start to feel like a mental load on top of everyday life.
After years of working in homes and supporting homeowners through renovations of all sizes, we’ve seen firsthand what helps make the process smoother. These are our practical, honest tips to help set realistic expectations and prepare you for life during a renovation.
The Dust Will Win (And That’s Normal)
Your renovation team will seal vents, install plastic barriers, and run air-purifying filters — all important steps. But dust is a fine particle, and it will still find its way into your space.
It drifts, settles, and somehow appears in rooms that haven’t been touched. This isn’t a failure — it’s simply part of renovating a lived-in home.
Plan for extra cleaning during your project, and don’t be surprised if dust lingers even after the renovation wraps up.
Helpful tip: Change your furnace filter multiple times throughout the renovation, and again for a couple of months afterward. It makes a bigger difference than most people expect.
Renovating With a Partner? Get on the Same Page Early
Before work begins, sit down together and ask one simple question:“What matters most to you about this renovation?”
Maybe it’s staying on budget. Maybe it’s layout and function. Maybe it’s finishes or long-term value. There’s no wrong answer — but there is a problem if you don’t understand each other’s priorities.
Agree on what’s non-negotiable and where there’s flexibility. That clarity upfront can save a lot of stress and turn the renovation into a shared experience instead of a tug-of-war.
The “While You’re At It” Trap Is Very Real
There’s no such thing as just one small add-on. That wall removal or layout tweak might seem minor, but it can lead to material changes, additional labour, or schedule adjustments.
Sometimes it does make sense to make changes while walls are open, but every adjustment comes with a cost and often a timeline impact. Going in with eyes wide open helps avoid surprises later.
Make Your Selections Before Demo Starts
Renovation decision fatigue is real and it hits hardest mid-project. Choosing tile, fixtures, flooring, hardware, paint colours, and finishes before demolition begins keeps the project moving and reduces stress when everything feels noisy and chaotic.
It also helps protect your budget and timeline. The more decisions that are locked in early, the smoother the build phase tends to be.
Helpful hint: If decision-making feels overwhelming, we often recommend bringing in a designer. These professionals help narrow choices, align your vision, and keep the process moving — making everything feel far more manageable.
Life Without a Kitchen: Plan for It
If you’re renovating your kitchen, assume daily routines will feel disrupted and plan ahead. A temporary kitchen setup with a fridge, microwave, kettle, and hot plate (whether in the garage, basement, or a corner of the living room) goes a long way in preserving sanity.
If you have kids, consider creating a snack station with easy grab-and-go options. It sounds simple, but it can ease a surprising amount of tension caused by hungry bellies.
Helpful tip: Create an essentials bin. Phone chargers, keys, paperwork, and that one pen that always works — keep them all in one reliable place.
Renovating With Kids (And Pets)
Renovating with kids or animals adds another layer, but it doesn’t have to be all stress.
Involve kids in small, meaningful ways. Talk about what’s changing and why. Focus on details they care about: a fridge with cold water, faster hot water for ramen, or a new place to do homework. Feeling included helps reduce anxiety.
Turn demolition into a memory. If something is being removed anyway, consider a pre-demo “Sharpie Party.” Let kids draw, write messages, or sign walls that are coming down. It’s messy, fun, and surprisingly meaningful.
Protect calm spaces. Try to keep kids’ bedrooms and pet areas free from renovation storage. A clean, quiet space gives them somewhere to decompress.
Create mini escape moments. You don’t need a full vacation to reset. A family swim, dinner out, park visit, or backyard movie night can break up the intensity and help everyone breathe.
For pets: safety first. Noise, strangers, and open doors can be overwhelming. Plan safe zones, clear routines, and extra supervision, especially during demolition and framing stages.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
Renovations are disruptive, but they’re also temporary.
With realistic expectations, thoughtful planning, and a bit of grace for yourself (and everyone else in the house), the process becomes far more manageable. The dust settles. The stress fades. And what’s left is a home that works better for your life — and often, a few good stories along the way.
If you’re considering a renovation, working with a team that understands both the construction and the reality of living through it makes all the difference. At Coleridge Construction, we don’t just build spaces — we guide homeowners through the entire process with care, clarity, and experience, so the journey feels just as considered as the finished result.
