Inside Houzz
Moving Out vs. Staying Put for a Kitchen Remodel
The 2019 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study asked those who have renovated about their stress levels and moving regrets
Most homeowners are choosing to stay in their homes during a remodel, according to the 2019 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study. While that might sound like a recipe for high blood pressure, in fact a greater share of those who moved out of their homes reported extreme stress during the remodel compared with those who stayed put, according to the study.
Among those who moved out completely, 55 percent stayed in a friend or family member’s home, 37 percent went on a vacation or trip and 12 percent stayed in a hotel or motel.
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Whether You Move or Stay Put, a Renovation Involves Stress
Of course, stress is simply par for the course when renovating, and nearly everyone — regardless of whether they moved out or stayed put — reported at least some stress. Eighty-one percent of those who stayed or partially moved out reported at least some stress, while 78 percent of those who moved out completely reported at least some stress.
Of course, stress is simply par for the course when renovating, and nearly everyone — regardless of whether they moved out or stayed put — reported at least some stress. Eighty-one percent of those who stayed or partially moved out reported at least some stress, while 78 percent of those who moved out completely reported at least some stress.
Notably, a greater share of those who moved out partially (8 percent) or entirely (10 percent) reported being extremely stressed during the renovation, compared with 3 percent of those who stayed put.
Of those who moved out partially, 89 percent experienced some stress or extreme stress during the remodel. Eighty-eight percent of those who moved out completely experienced some stress or extreme stress. Those figures compare with 84 percent of those who stayed put.
The bottom line: If you can get through a renovation without stress, count yourself among the lucky few.
But despite the inevitable stress, the good news about kitchen renovations is that it is possible to live through one — and stay in your home — with minimal change to your daily routine. In fact, more than one in five (22 percent) of those who stayed at home during the renovation made no special arrangements at all. The biggest changes made by those who stayed put for the renovation were setting up an alternative cooking station inside the home (62 percent) and setting up a dining area in the home (43 percent).
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Of those who moved out partially, 89 percent experienced some stress or extreme stress during the remodel. Eighty-eight percent of those who moved out completely experienced some stress or extreme stress. Those figures compare with 84 percent of those who stayed put.
The bottom line: If you can get through a renovation without stress, count yourself among the lucky few.
But despite the inevitable stress, the good news about kitchen renovations is that it is possible to live through one — and stay in your home — with minimal change to your daily routine. In fact, more than one in five (22 percent) of those who stayed at home during the renovation made no special arrangements at all. The biggest changes made by those who stayed put for the renovation were setting up an alternative cooking station inside the home (62 percent) and setting up a dining area in the home (43 percent).
Find an architect or building designer to help plan your renovation
Who Most Regretted Their Decision: Those Who Stayed or Those Who Moved Out?
While stress comes with renovating, it’s different from regretting a decision. Those who completed a renovation and partially moved out during it were the most likely to report regrets. Twenty-three percent of this group said they regretted their temporary arrangements, compared with 16 percent of those who stayed home and 14 percent of those who completely moved out.
Not long ago, we asked readers to share their remodeling war stories as well as their tips and tricks for surviving a remodel. Many shared stories of pleasant travels while their homes were under construction, as well as bonding with neighbors and friends who became like family when they stayed with them. Others said staying in their home while work was underway was well worth the hassle, as it gave them a close view of the progress. Perhaps reading some of their stories will help you decide which way you’ll want to go with your own remodel.
The 2019 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study gathered information from 1,337 Houzz users who had completed a kitchen remodel or addition project in the previous 12 months, were currently working on one or were planning to start one in the next three months. The study was fielded between Sept. 18 and Oct. 19, 2018.
Download the study
More on Houzz
Where Did You Stay During Your Remodel?
How to Survive a Kitchen Remodel
Browse kitchen photos
Find renovation professionals near you
Shop for products and materials
While stress comes with renovating, it’s different from regretting a decision. Those who completed a renovation and partially moved out during it were the most likely to report regrets. Twenty-three percent of this group said they regretted their temporary arrangements, compared with 16 percent of those who stayed home and 14 percent of those who completely moved out.
Not long ago, we asked readers to share their remodeling war stories as well as their tips and tricks for surviving a remodel. Many shared stories of pleasant travels while their homes were under construction, as well as bonding with neighbors and friends who became like family when they stayed with them. Others said staying in their home while work was underway was well worth the hassle, as it gave them a close view of the progress. Perhaps reading some of their stories will help you decide which way you’ll want to go with your own remodel.
The 2019 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study gathered information from 1,337 Houzz users who had completed a kitchen remodel or addition project in the previous 12 months, were currently working on one or were planning to start one in the next three months. The study was fielded between Sept. 18 and Oct. 19, 2018.
Download the study
More on Houzz
Where Did You Stay During Your Remodel?
How to Survive a Kitchen Remodel
Browse kitchen photos
Find renovation professionals near you
Shop for products and materials
The 2019 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study gathered information from more than 1,300 Houzz users who had completed a kitchen remodel or addition project in the previous 12 months, were currently working on one or were planning to start one in the next three months. Those who had completed a kitchen renovation were asked about their living arrangements during the remodel and about their stress levels during the renovation.
Two-thirds of remodeling homeowners (66 percent) opted to stay in their homes during the remodel, while about one-quarter (26 percent) moved out of their homes partially. A small minority (8 percent) moved out entirely.