Should You Stay or Should You Go During Your Kitchen Remodel? 

As we recover from the strange year that 2020 was, homeowners are once again increasingly planning major remodeling projects. Data for 2020 is sketchy at best, so we need to look back to 2019 to get a sense of where we're heading in terms of trends. 

One question that homeowners faced in 2019 and will hopefully face in 2021 as we return to normal is that when undergoing a major kitchen renovation project, do you choose to move out temporarily or stay in your home? 

A “to-the-studs” kitchen remodel project is disruptive, difficult, and dirty, even with the best design-build-remodel team. In pre-COVID 2019, Houzz conducted their annual US Kitchen Trends Study and asked homeowners exactly that question, and the results were eye-opening, to say the least!

Insights From the Houzz Kitchen Trends Study

One of the most surprising insights we can learn from the study is that most homeowners chose to stay in their homes during a remodel. It's an interesting fact, given that on the surface, it might seem to be the perfect recipe for high blood pressure! 

Any home remodeling project can be disruptive, remodeling your kitchen, especially. It's one of the most used rooms in your home and often the family gathering spot, at least twice a day in the morning and evening. Surprisingly, the Houzz study found that a great number of homeowners who moved out of their homes reported extreme stress during the remodel compared to those who stayed put.

So Where Do They Go During A Kitchen Remodel?

Houzz spoke with more than 1300 Houzz users who had completed a kitchen remodel or addition project in the previous 12 months or were currently working on one or planning on starting one in the next quarter. The homeowners who completed a kitchen remodel were asked about their living arrangements and stress levels during the project. 

Two-thirds of homeowners opted to stay during the remodel, while 26% partially moved out. A tiny minority of 8% moved out entirely. Of the 8% who moved out entirely, 55% stayed with a friend or family member, 37% went on vacation or a trip, and 12% stayed in a hotel.

Pro tip: If you have a work-from-anywhere job, a kitchen remodel is the perfect time to get away to your favorite AirBnB or VRBO property, while your professional remodeler takes care of all the details! If it’s a trip that you were going to take anyway, then it doesn’t cost you any extra.

No Matter What You Choose, Remodeling Can Be Stressful

The fact is, every remodeling project is at least a little stressful, and nearly everyone surveyed, regardless of whether they moved out or stayed home, reported at least some stress. Eighty-one percent of homeowners who stayed or partially moved out reported at least some stress, while 78% of those who moved out completely reported at least some stress.

A greater share of those who moved out partially (8%) or entirely (10%) reported extreme stress during their project. This compares to only 3% of those who stayed put. Of those who moved out partially, a full 89% experienced significant stress during their remodel. Eighty-eight percent of those who moved out completely experience some stress or extreme stress. These figures are comparable to the 84% of homeowners who stayed put. 

The Bottom Line On Your Kitchen Remodel - Should I Stay or Should I Go!

The bottom line is that if you get through your kitchen remodeling project, or any renovation for that matter, without stress, you should count yourself lucky! That being said, a good design-build professional will work with you closely to minimize stress, for example, by setting up a temporary food preparation area in the garage to allow you to maintain your family routine, at least partially!

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But despite the most likely inevitable stress, the good news uncovered by this study is that it is possible to live through your remodeling project – and stay in your home – with minimal adjustment of your family's routine.

While 22% of those who stayed homemade no arrangements, the biggest changes made by those who stayed home during their project we setting up an alternative cooking area in the home (62%) and setting up a dining area (43%).

So who regretted their decision to either stay or go? Well, stress is different than regret. Those who completed their renovation and partially moved out during it were the most likely to report regrets. Twenty-three percent reported that they regretted their temporary arrangements, compared to 16% of those who stayed home and 14% of those who moved out completely.

The fact is that you need to weigh your personal needs, goals, and adaptability when deciding to stay or go. Working with a design-build professional who understands the homeowner's side of the equation is important. A good design-build firm will work with you closely to make the process run as smoothly as possible while working to meet your family's needs – for example, by setting up an alternative cooking and dining area in your home or scheduling work around your morning routine. 

In the end, the stress is almost always worth the trouble if you end up with the functional, beautiful kitchen you've been dreaming about!

Working with a design-build firm for your kitchen remodeling project is a smart choice. If you live in the greater Madison, Wisconsin area and are planning a kitchen remodel, give the experts at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel a call at (608) 846-5963. Their award-winning design team is ready to help you realize your creative vision. Call today and arrange a free consultation to discuss your upcoming project.

This article was updated by Abe Degnan on 9/26/2022.