Prepare Your Home for a Construction Project

Undertaking a construction project at home is exciting, but it also requires thoughtful preparation to ensure the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here are practical steps homeowners can take to get their space ready: 

Clear the Work Area

Declutter: Remove furniture, decor, and personal items from the construction zone to prevent damage and give the crew unrestricted access.

Protect Nearby Spaces: Use plastic sheets or tarps to cover furniture, floors, and any items in adjacent areas that might collect dust or debris. 

Empty Cabinets: If kitchen or bathroom areas are involved, clear out cabinets, shelves, or closets near the work site. 

Set Up a Temporary Living Space

If construction affects essential areas like the kitchen or bathroom, set up a temporary replacement. Create a mini kitchen with a microwave, coffee maker, and fridge. Identify alternate routes for accessing your home if certain entry points will be restricted. 

Ensure Easy Access for Contractors

Clear Driveways and Paths: Remove vehicles or obstacles to provide parking and transport access for workers and materials. 

Provide Key Information: Share details like gate codes, alarm instructions, or special entry requirements with the contractor. 

Prepare for Dust and Noise

Seal Off Work Areas: Install dust barriers to minimize spreading construction debris. Eye For Detail will typically install dust protection for particular works, but if there are areas of extra concern it pays to notify the team and perhaps install your own protection too.

Use Noise Solutions: If the noise is disruptive, consider noise-cancelling headphones or temporarily relocating to a quieter part of the home. 

Protect Pets and Children

Secure Animals: Keep pets in a separate, safe area away from the construction zone to avoid accidents or stress. 

Child Safety: Ensure children don't have access to tools, materials, or work zones by setting up barriers or clear boundaries. Eye For Detail can and often/usually assists with this - but please notify the team if you have areas of extra concern.

Consider Moving Out:  One important consideration during a renovation is determining whether staying at home during the project is feasible. For smaller renovations, such as a single room makeover or projects confined to a specific area of the house, it might be manageable to continue living at home. However, for larger projects—particularly those involving structural changes, major plumbing, or extensive demolition—the home may become temporarily unliveable due to safety hazards, noise, and general disruption.

Budget constraints often prevent homeowners from seeking temporary accommodation, but whenever possible, moving out for the duration of the project is highly recommended. It minimizes discomfort, allows the work to proceed uninterrupted, and keeps you out of harm’s way during potentially hazardous phases.

If moving out isn’t an option, consider designating a “safe zone” in your home—a space where you can retreat from the noise and mess. Open communication with our team about timelines, noisy work, and restricted areas will also help you better navigate life during the renovation.