A bathroom remodel is one of the most valuable upgrades you can make to your home. It can boost your property value, improve daily comfort, and breathe new life into a dated or inefficient space. But when the demo begins, the dust flies, and the toilet’s out of commission, one major question comes up: Should you move out during a remodel?
If you’re like most homeowners, you want to avoid unnecessary stress—but you also don’t want to spend more money than you have to. This blog will help you weigh the pros and cons, determine whether moving out is the right choice for your situation, and plan accordingly so your remodel goes as smoothly as possible.
Evaluate the Scope of the Remodel
The first factor to consider is the size and complexity of your bathroom renovation. Not all remodeling projects are created equal.
- Full remodels—gutting the bathroom down to the studs, relocating plumbing, installing new fixtures, flooring, and tile—are highly disruptive and often last several weeks.
- Partial updates, like replacing the vanity, repainting, or installing new flooring, may only take a few days and cause minimal inconvenience.
Ask your contractor how long they expect the project to take and whether there will be any days where the bathroom is completely unusable. If you’re working with Bathtub Made New, you’ll get a clear, upfront estimate and timeline so you can plan accordingly.
How Many Bathrooms Do You Have?
If your home only has one bathroom, staying put during a full remodel may be impossible. Without access to a toilet or shower, daily routines become stressful fast.
Even if you have a second bathroom, consider how well it will accommodate your household. For example:
- A family of four relying on a small powder room with no shower can create long lines and frayed tempers.
- A couple with a guest bath might manage just fine, as long as both can get ready without conflict.
Make sure to consider your family’s specific needs, including kids’ school routines, work schedules, and mobility issues.
Consider the Health and Safety Factors
Renovation projects can stir up a lot more than dust. If someone in your household has allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues, the air quality during a remodel could pose a real problem.
You may also want to think about:
- Noise: Power tools, hammering, and drilling are tough to ignore—especially if you work from home.
- Debris: Exposed nails, loose tiles, or tools left out can be dangerous for young children or pets.
- Fumes: Paints, adhesives, and other materials can give off strong odors and chemicals that linger in the air.
In these cases, temporarily moving out—even for a few days—may offer peace of mind and a healthier environment.
Contractor Schedule and Accessibility
Another key consideration is how your presence may impact the contractor’s ability to work efficiently.
- Will they need full, unrestricted access to the space all day?
- Are you available to answer questions or approve decisions quickly?
- Is there enough space for tools, supplies, and cleanup without disrupting the rest of your home?
In some cases, clearing out completely may allow your remodeling team to move faster. That can potentially shorten the timeline and reduce labor costs.
At Bathtub Made New, we’re used to working in occupied homes, and we’ll always strive to minimize disruption. But if you’re juggling work calls and trying to keep toddlers away from the mess, stepping away for a bit might be worth it.
Budgeting for Temporary Housing
If you're leaning toward moving out, think through the costs involved. Staying with friends or family might be free, but hotels, Airbnbs, or short-term rentals can add up quickly.
Questions to ask yourself include:
- Can I find an affordable option nearby?
- Will I need to pay for pet boarding?
- Is the cost worth it to maintain normalcy and avoid stress?
Also, keep in mind that if you vacate the space, your remodel could be completed sooner—which could lower some labor charges or even offset part of your temporary housing cost.
Real Homeowner Experiences
Many homeowners who have lived through a bathroom remodel have strong opinions one way or the other. Here are a few common scenarios:
- “We stayed, and it was harder than we thought.” A family of five with only one bathroom tried to tough it out—and ended up relying on a gym membership for showers and eating takeout daily. Looking back, they wished they had budgeted for a short-term rental.
- “We left and never looked back.” Another homeowner moved in with relatives for ten days. Their remodel was completed on time, and they returned to a sparkling new bathroom without having lived through the chaos.
Everyone’s experience is different, but learning from others can help you make a more informed choice.
When It Makes Sense to Stay Put
In many cases, staying in your home is totally manageable—especially if:
- You have more than one bathroom.
- Your remodel is focused on cosmetic upgrades.
- You have a flexible schedule or can adapt your routine.
Homeowners who are okay with a little noise and dust, and who trust their contractor to maintain a clean, contained work area, can often remain comfortably at home throughout the process.
When It’s Best to Move Out
Moving out may be the better call if:
- Your home has only one bathroom.
- You have young children, elderly family members, or pets who are sensitive to disruption.
- Your remodel includes major plumbing or electrical work.
- You work from home and need quiet during business hours.
- The estimated timeline exceeds one week.
If any of these sound familiar, relocating—at least temporarily—could help you avoid unnecessary frustration and ensure a smoother project overall.
Final Checklist: Should You Move Out?
Here’s a quick checklist to help you decide:
- Do I have another usable bathroom?
- Is the project lasting longer than a few days?
- Are there safety or health concerns in my home?
- Do I need peace and quiet for work or rest?
- Will moving out speed up the remodel?
- Can I afford temporary housing?
The more boxes you check, the more likely it is that a temporary move makes sense.
Final Thoughts: Do What’s Right for You (But Plan Ahead)
So—should you move out during a remodel? The answer depends on your living situation, the size of your bathroom renovation, your health and safety concerns, and your tolerance for noise and disruption. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but by thinking through your needs and asking the right questions, you can make a smart, stress-reducing decision.
Whether you choose to stay or go, working with a trusted remodeling partner makes all the difference. At Bathtub Made New, we pride ourselves on clear communication, efficient timelines, and expert craftsmanship. We’ll help you create a beautiful new bathroom with as little disruption as possible—so you can get back to enjoying your space.
If you're ready to talk about your next remodel, reach out today for a free consultation.