Should You Stay or Move Out During Your Denver Home Renovation

So, you’ve decided to renovate—congratulations! Whether you’re planning a Denver home addition, building an ADU, or doing a whole home remodel, you’re about to create a space that better fits your life. At Sustainable Design Build, we know this is an exciting time, but we also know you probably have questions. One of the most common? Should I live in my home during construction, or should I move out?

The truth is, the answer depends on the type of project, your home’s layout, your lifestyle, and your personal tolerance for disruption. As a trusted Denver home builder, we’ve guided many clients through this decision and have a few key points to help you choose the best option for your situation.

Consider Which Spaces You’re Renovating

Living in your home during a renovation can be manageable—or it can be highly disruptive—depending on which areas are under construction. If you’re adding a second story or building a major home addition in Denver, you may be dealing with structural changes, multiple trades on-site, and significant disruption to your main living areas.

On the other hand, if your project is more contained—like finishing a basement or building an ADU in the backyard—your daily routines might not be impacted as much. Also think about how contractors will access the work site. Will they be coming through your main entrance, or is there a side or rear entry that can be used to minimize intrusion?

Match Your Lifestyle to Your Living Arrangements

Your day-to-day habits can make a big difference in whether staying home during construction is comfortable or frustrating.

• If you work from home, ongoing noise and activity may make it difficult to focus.

• If you love cooking, remember that a kitchen remodel means relying on takeout or setting up a temporary kitchen.

• If you have young children or pets, consider how you’ll keep them safe and comfortable with workers and materials on site.

For large-scale projects like Denver home additions or full home remodels, moving out—at least temporarily—can relieve a lot of stress and allow our team to work more efficiently.

Be Honest About Your Tolerance for Noise and Disruption

Construction isn’t quiet. There’s hammering, sawing, drilling, and constant movement. Some homeowners can tune it out; others find it distracting or stressful—especially those on video calls or in client meetings during the day. If noise will be a major issue but moving out isn’t in the budget, you might explore alternatives like co-working spaces or spending more time out of the house during peak construction hours.

Factor in Allergies and Dust Sensitivity

Even with dust barriers in place, construction generates airborne particles that can travel through vents and open spaces. If you have allergies, asthma, or other sensitivities, living elsewhere during your project can help you avoid discomfort. Our team at Sustainable Design Build always uses professional dust protection methods, but for highly sensitive individuals, temporary relocation may be the healthier option.

Understand the Budget Implications

Moving out means additional costs for temporary housing, meals, and possibly storage. If you choose this route, make sure to include it in your budget and build in a little extra time for unforeseen delays. For some homeowners, the convenience and comfort outweigh the expense. For others, staying put and working around the construction is the better choice financially.

What if you are building an ADU?

As mentioned before, not every project requires you as a homeowner to vacate your property to allow construction to happen. This is especially true when it comes to building an ADU project, where the structure being built is not connected or detached from your primary residence. Sustainable Design Build has built multiple ADUs across Denver, Wheat Ridge, Littleton and more – and oftentimes the property owner and family residing stayed without any issue. This is often ideal in terms of cost and time commitment for families who do not need the added stress and hassle of relocating. But make sure to be prepared for some dust and debris among the noise of our crews performing the construction.

Our Recommendation as a Denver Home Builder

You don’t have to move out during a renovation—but you might be happier if you do, especially for larger projects like home additions or major remodels. Living away from the daily mess, noise, and foot traffic can make the process less stressful for you and allow our crew to work without interruption.

If moving out isn’t an option, don’t worry. As a full-service Denver home builder, Sustainable Design Build works hard to minimize disruption. Our in-house team—including our lead architect, interior designers, and construction managers—coordinates every detail so you can navigate the renovation process as smoothly as possible.

Whether you stay or go, we’ll help you plan ahead so you can enjoy your new space the moment construction wraps.

Thinking about a Denver home addition or remodel? Contact Sustainable Design Build today to start your design-build journey with a team that keeps your comfort, schedule, and vision in mind from day one.

Sutsainable Design Build working on a Littleton Denver Home Addition project showcasing the framing.

Your Home, Your Vision, Our Expertise

Every project we take on is unique, and that is why collaboration is key. Our interior designers and architect work together from the start to create a plan that is both beautiful and functional while staying within your budget. By bringing the design and construction process into one integrated service, we eliminate unnecessary stress and give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your investment is in expert hands.

Whether you are expanding your space with a Denver home addition, creating an ADU, reimagining your home with a whole home remodel, or building your dream home from the ground up, Sustainable Design Build has the expertise, the team, and the process to bring it all together.

Let’s make your dream home a reality.
Contact Sustainable Design Build today to start your all-in-one design and build journey.