Why Moving Out During Renovation Is Usually the Best Choice

At Vector Mountain Construction, we believe in setting clear expectations so our clients can make informed decisions for their project and their well-being. One important piece of advice we consistently give: if you are undertaking a major renovation, do not plan to live in the home during construction.

Remodeling is messy—dust, debris, and constant disruption are part of the process. This is why we strongly recommend not living in the home during major renovations.

1. It Extends the Construction Timeline

When a home is occupied during a major renovation, every phase of the project takes longer. Workers must set up and break down dust protection barriers daily. Tools and materials must be packed away each evening to keep living areas accessible and safe. Loud or disruptive work often must be limited to specific hours, especially if you are working from home. All of these accommodations add weeks, if not months, to the overall timeline.

2. It Increases Construction Costs

Living in the construction zone drives costs up significantly. Conservatively, you can expect at least two hours of extra labor per worker per day just for setup, cleanup, and protection tasks. On a crew of three workers, that is an additional six labor hours per day.

Assuming a labor rate of $60 per hour plus 20% for overhead and profit, the effective rate is $72 per hour. Over a five-day workweek, this adds approximately $2,160 in extra labor costs per week. For a six-month project (approximately 26 weeks), that totals about $56,160 in additional labor costs.

3. Renting Is Often More Economical

While every rental market is different, in Asheville and surrounding areas, a typical short-term rental might cost between $2,000 and $3,500 per month, depending on size and location. For a six-month project, you are looking at roughly $12,000 to $21,000 in rental costs.

Cost comparison:

• Estimated extra labor cost: ~$56,160

• Estimated rental cost for six months: ~$12,000 to $21,000

The numbers speak for themselves. Temporary relocation is typically the more cost-effective option.

4. It Reduces Stress for You and Your Family

Living through a major renovation is not just inconvenient; it is disruptive to daily life. Dust, noise, restricted access to parts of the house, and constant interruptions create stress for homeowners. It is equally challenging for the construction crew and your general contractor, who must work around your schedule and presence while trying to deliver a professional product. What should be an exciting project can quickly become a daily source of frustration.

Choosing to rent a temporary home gives you peace of mind and allows the renovation to move forward faster and more efficiently, while you maintain a better quality of life during the process.

The Bottom Line

Major renovations are a significant investment. To protect your investment, your time, and your sanity, moving out during construction is one of the smartest decisions you can make. You will likely save money, shorten the project timeline, and enjoy a smoother, less stressful renovation experience.

At Vector Mountain Construction, we are committed to delivering quality work as efficiently and professionally as possible. Partner with us to ensure a successful outcome—and seriously consider temporary relocation during your next major renovation.

Ready to start planning your project? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can make your renovation as smooth and efficient as possible.