Planning
How to prepare your home before renovation work starts
Updated 2026-09-04 · 5 min read
Short answer
Before a crew arrives, clear the work area and adjacent rooms, agree on protection and dust control, confirm building access rules and parking, decide where materials will be stored, lock in your finish selections, and identify the water and electrical shutoffs. Most delays on small projects come from unmade decisions, not from the work itself.
One week before
- Empty cabinets, closets and shelving in the work area, plus one adjacent room for staging.
- Remove wall art, mirrors and anything fragile from shared walls — vibration travels.
- Confirm your finish selections and make sure long-lead items are ordered.
- Check building rules: work hours, elevator reservations, certificate of insurance requirements, freight entrance.
- Arrange parking for a work vehicle and a place for a dumpster or disposal bags if needed.
The day before
- Plan pets and children away from the work zone; dust barriers are not soundproof.
- Agree on which bathroom and entrance the crew will use.
- Point out water, gas and electrical shutoffs.
- Decide how the crew gets in on days you are not home.
Living in the home during work
For kitchens, set up a temporary station with a microwave, kettle and a sink you can reach. For bathrooms, confirm which bathroom stays live and for how long.
Expect dust beyond the plastic even with containment — plan to keep bedding and clothing behind closed doors.
Frequently asked
- Do I need to move out during a renovation?
- Usually not for a single room. Full rehabs, whole-floor flooring, or projects that take the only bathroom or kitchen offline for an extended period are the common exceptions.
- Who is responsible for protecting floors and furniture?
- The contractor should protect the path of travel and the work area, and that protection should be written into the scope. Personal belongings should be removed by the homeowner.
- What causes most renovation delays?
- Late material selections, long-lead fixtures, permit and inspection scheduling, and conditions discovered after demolition.
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