10 tips for living on site

Check out Rebecca Foster's top tips for establishing a suitable accommodation arrangement during your build

- REBECCA FOSTER

Regardless of the type of project, you're taking on, be it a self-build, renovation, or extension, living on-site comes with numerous advantages. Not only will you make considerable savings on rent - particularly if you live in an expensive, urban area where prices are high - but you'll be able to keep a close eye on progress, without having to spend time commuting back and forth to the place you're staying. Being on-site 24/7 means you'll be available if your builder has any questions, too, ranging from small queries about the positioning of plug sockets to bigger inquiries about room layouts and final finishes.

That being said, the decision to live on-site during major works should never be taken lightly, as there will be a certain amount of disruption involved. Your social life will be affected, especially if you plan on spending evenings and weekends doing some straightforward DIY tasks yourself. "It's important to have manageable expectations," says Jake Crawford, a project manager at Parkwood Builders. "Even in instances where a great deal of thought has been given to the homeowner's comfort, there will be occasions where noise and dust breach the area of the property you live in. It's important to be aware of this and be mentally prepared to deal with it."

1. Who will be living on-site?

Before deciding to go ahead with your plan to live on-site for the duration of the build, take stock of who you need to accommodate and the facilities they'll require on a day-to-day basis. For example, the hazards of a building site are less than ideal if you have young children or pets - you'll need to be able to zone off the construction area completely to make this scenario work. Protective hoarding or partitions can be put into separate living and construction areas.