Temporary Housing During a Home Renovation: What Are Your Options?
A home renovation can be exciting, but living through the work is not always practical.
Replacing a kitchen or bathroom might be manageable while staying at home. A full renovation, structural work or major plumbing and electrical changes can be a different story. You may have to deal with dust, noise, limited access to essential facilities or rooms that cannot be used for weeks.
In some cases, moving out temporarily is simply the easiest option. But where do you go, how long should you book accommodation for, and what should you consider before making a decision?
If you are planning a renovation in Rotterdam or the surrounding area, here are the main temporary housing options to consider.
Do you need to move out during a renovation?
Not every renovation requires you to leave your home. If the work is limited to one room and you can still use your kitchen, bathroom and sleeping areas, staying at home may be possible.
However, temporary accommodation may be worth considering if:
Your kitchen or bathroom will be unusable for an extended period.
Major structural work is taking place.
There will be significant dust, noise or disruption throughout the property.
Water, electricity or heating will be unavailable for a period of time.
You have young children or other household members who need a comfortable living environment.
You work from home and cannot reasonably do so during the renovation.
Before making a decision, discuss the expected disruption with your contractor. Ask which facilities will remain available, whether the property will be safe to occupy and how long the most disruptive work is expected to last.
This will help you decide whether moving out is necessary or simply more convenient.
1. Staying with family or friends
For a short renovation, staying with family or friends may be the simplest option.
It can reduce accommodation costs and allow you to remain close to your home while the work is underway.
However, this arrangement is not always practical for longer periods. You may have limited privacy, little storage space or difficulty maintaining your normal routine.
If you have children, pets or a partner who works from home, sharing someone else's space for several weeks can become challenging. This option is often best for short periods when the renovation schedule is relatively predictable.
2. Booking a hotel
A hotel can be useful if you need somewhere to stay for a few nights, particularly when the renovation begins unexpectedly or your contractor needs immediate access to the property.
You do not have to organise furniture or household essentials, and the booking process can be straightforward. For a renovation lasting several weeks or months, however, a hotel may be less comfortable. You might have limited living space, no private kitchen and additional expenses for eating out and laundry.
If the work is expected to take longer than a few days, it is worth comparing the total cost of a hotel with the cost of a furnished apartment.
3. Renting a furnished apartment
A furnished apartment can be a practical option when you need to leave your home for several weeks or months. Unlike a typical hotel room, an apartment generally provides separate living and sleeping areas, a kitchen and more space for everyday activities. Depending on the property, you may also have laundry facilities, internet access and a balcony.
This makes it easier to maintain your normal routine while your home is being renovated. You can prepare your own meals, work remotely where suitable facilities are available and enjoy some privacy at the end of the day.
A furnished apartment can be particularly useful for families or couples who need more space than a hotel can comfortably provide. For homeowners in Rotterdam, it can also allow you to remain in the same city while the work is taking place.
4. Renting an unfurnished property
An unfurnished rental might seem like another option, particularly if you expect to be away from your home for several months. However, you will need to consider the practicalities of setting up the property.
You may need to arrange furniture, kitchen equipment, lighting, curtains and other household essentials. There may also be delivery costs and additional work when you move back home. For a temporary stay, these arrangements can take more time and money than expected.
An unfurnished property may make sense if you already have furniture available and the rental period is long enough to justify the effort. For a shorter renovation, a furnished apartment is often more straightforward.
5. Staying in a holiday rental
Holiday rental platforms offer apartments and houses that may be available for the duration of your renovation.
Some properties are well equipped for longer stays, while others are primarily designed for tourists. Before booking, check the total price, cleaning arrangements, kitchen facilities, laundry options and conditions for extending the stay.
It is also worth confirming whether the property is suitable for the entire household and whether the host can accommodate changes to your dates if the renovation takes longer than expected.
Do not compare options based on the nightly rate alone. Additional fees and the facilities included can make a difference to the overall cost.
How long should you book temporary accommodation for?
This is often the most difficult question to answer. Your contractor may provide an estimated completion date, but renovation schedules can change. Materials may arrive late, unexpected problems may be discovered or additional work may become necessary.
Before booking temporary accommodation, ask your contractor to identify the key stages of the renovation and estimate when the property will be suitable to live in again.
It is sensible to discuss some flexibility with your accommodation provider, particularly if the completion date is uncertain.
Check the following before confirming your booking:
Is there a minimum rental period?
Can you extend your stay if the renovation runs over schedule?
How much notice is required for an extension?
Will the apartment still be available?
What happens if you need to leave earlier than expected?
Are there additional charges for changing your dates?
Understanding these conditions in advance can save you from having to arrange alternative accommodation at short notice.
What should you budget for?
The cost of temporary accommodation depends on the property, location, length of stay and number of people. However, the rental price is not the only expense to consider.
Your temporary housing budget may also include:
Utilities and internet, if charged separately
Cleaning fees
Parking or transport costs
Laundry
Meals, particularly if you do not have access to a kitchen
Deposits or other upfront payments
If you are comparing a hotel with a furnished apartment, think about your everyday expenses as well as the accommodation itself.
Having access to a kitchen, for example, may make it easier to prepare meals instead of eating out regularly.
If you have home insurance, check your policy to see whether any temporary accommodation costs may be covered in your circumstances. Coverage depends on the policy and the reason you need to leave the property. Planned renovations are not necessarily covered, so confirm the details with your insurer before relying on reimbursement.
Where should you stay during your renovation?
If your home is in Rotterdam, staying nearby can make the renovation easier to manage.
You may need to meet your contractor, check progress or visit the property when decisions have to be made.
Staying within a reasonable distance can also help you maintain your usual work, school and family routines. When choosing temporary accommodation, consider the location of your home, your workplace and any other places you visit regularly.
The best location is not always the closest one. It is the one that allows you to manage the renovation without making everyday life unnecessarily complicated.
When is a furnished apartment the best choice?
A furnished apartment is worth considering if your renovation is expected to take several weeks or months and you want a comfortable place to live during that time.
It can be particularly suitable if you:
Need separate bedrooms and living space.
Want to prepare your own meals.
Work from home.
Are staying with a partner or family.
Want to avoid buying or moving furniture.
Need some flexibility around your return date.
The exact facilities and rental conditions vary between properties, so check what is included before booking.
Temporary accommodation in Rotterdam with SolsBury Prime Rentals
At SolsBury Prime Rentals, we offer fully furnished apartments in Rotterdam for people who need a comfortable place to stay temporarily. If your home is undergoing a major renovation, a furnished apartment may provide a practical alternative to staying in a hotel or setting up an unfurnished rental.
You can have a place to cook, relax and maintain your daily routine while the work is being completed. If you are planning a renovation and need temporary accommodation, get in touch with SolsBury Prime Rentals to discuss your preferred dates, the length of your stay and your accommodation requirements.
Make your renovation easier to manage
Moving out during a renovation may feel like an additional task, but it can make the entire process more comfortable.
Start by discussing the expected disruption and timeline with your contractor. Then compare the available accommodation options based on cost, space, location and flexibility.
For a short stay, a hotel or a stay with family may be sufficient. For a longer renovation, a furnished apartment can offer the space and facilities needed to continue everyday life while your home is being transformed.
With the right arrangements in place, you can focus on the renovation itself and look forward to returning to a finished home.
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