If you're planning a kitchen renovation in Bognor Regis, Chichester, Arundel, or anywhere across West Sussex, one of the first questions that crosses your mind is probably this: do we need to move out?
The thought of packing up, finding temporary accommodation, and disrupting your family's routine can feel overwhelming. The good news? Most homeowners successfully stay in their homes throughout their kitchen renovation. But it does require some honest planning, a few lifestyle adjustments, and, crucially, the right building team working alongside you.
Here's everything you need to know about living at home during a kitchen renovation in West Sussex, including practical tips from our years of experience transforming kitchens across the county.
The Short Answer: Yes, You Can Stay
For the vast majority of kitchen renovations we complete across West Sussex, homeowners remain in their properties throughout the project. Whether it's a straightforward kitchen refit in Felpham or a complete renovation with structural changes in Chichester, staying put is usually entirely manageable.
That said, manageable doesn't mean effortless. You'll be without your usual cooking facilities for a period, there will be noise and dust, and your daily routine will need some flexibility. The key is knowing what to expect and preparing accordingly.
Factors That Affect Your Decision
Before committing either way, consider these practical factors that influence how comfortable (or challenging) staying at home will be:
Duration of the Project
A simple like-for-like kitchen installation might take just two to three weeks. A full renovation involving new electrics, plumbing alterations, plastering, and flooring could stretch to six weeks or longer. The longer your project runs, the more important your temporary arrangements become.
When we provide quotes for kitchen installations and renovations, we always give realistic timelines so you can plan properly. Rushed estimates lead to frustration: we'd rather be upfront about what's involved.
Scope of Work
Are you keeping the same layout and simply updating units and worktops? Or are you moving the sink, relocating appliances, and knocking through walls? The more extensive the work, the greater the disruption to your water supply, electrics, and general living space.
Structural changes or house extensions that incorporate kitchen redesigns typically create more upheaval than cosmetic refreshes.
Your Household Situation
Consider who lives with you. Young children, elderly relatives, pets, or anyone with respiratory conditions like asthma may find the dust and noise more difficult to tolerate. If you work from home and need quiet for video calls or concentration, the demolition phase (usually the first few days) could prove challenging.
For most families in Aldwick, Pagham, Middleton-on-Sea, and surrounding areas, staying home works perfectly well: but honest self-assessment helps you prepare.
Setting Up Your Temporary Kitchen
Your temporary kitchen becomes your lifeline during the renovation. With a bit of creativity, you can maintain a surprisingly functional cooking setup elsewhere in your home.
Essential Equipment
Gather these items and set them up in your dining room, utility room, garage, or even a spare bedroom:
- Microwave – Your new best friend for quick meals
- Mini fridge or cool box – Keep essentials fresh
- Electric kettle – Tea and coffee remain non-negotiable
- Toaster or toaster oven – More versatile than you'd think
- Slow cooker or instant pot – Perfect for proper evening meals
- Washing-up bowl and dish rack – Use your bathroom sink if needed
If you've got outdoor space (and the West Sussex weather cooperates), a barbecue extends your cooking options considerably during spring and summer renovations.
Meal Planning Tips
Stock up on meals that require minimal preparation. Batch cook and freeze dishes before work begins. Embrace meal delivery services or local takeaways: Bognor Regis, Chichester, and Arundel all have excellent options for those evenings when cooking feels like too much effort.
Think of it as an opportunity to try that new restaurant you've been meaning to visit.
Managing Disruption Day-to-Day
Even with the best preparation, living through a renovation requires patience. Here's how to make each day smoother:
Communication With Your Builder
A professional building team keeps you informed about what's happening each day. You should know when the noisiest work is scheduled (demolition, drilling, cutting tiles) so you can plan around it. If you work from home, perhaps schedule important calls for afternoons when fitting work is quieter.
At Swanbourne Construction, we pride ourselves on clear, daily communication. You'll never be left wondering what's happening in your own home.
Containing Dust and Debris
Good contractors use dust sheets, plastic sheeting, and barriers to contain mess within the work area. However, some dust migration is inevitable. Keep internal doors closed, consider temporary plastic sheeting over doorways, and expect to vacuum more frequently than usual.
If dust is a particular concern for health reasons, discuss this with your builder before work starts. Additional extraction and sealing measures can help.
Protecting Your Belongings
Clear the kitchen completely before work begins: including items in wall-mounted cupboards that could be affected by vibrations. Move furniture and valuables away from the work zone. Cover soft furnishings in adjacent rooms to protect against dust.
Health and Safety Considerations
Your safety matters throughout the project. Reputable builders maintain clean, safe sites even in occupied homes, but there are realities to acknowledge:
Children and pets need supervision around work areas. Building sites contain hazards: sharp materials, power tools, and trip risks. Establish clear boundaries about which areas are off-limits during working hours.
Dust and fumes from construction, painting, and adhesives can irritate sensitive individuals. Ensure good ventilation by opening windows in living areas (away from the work zone). If anyone in your household has asthma or respiratory conditions, discuss mitigation strategies with your contractor.
Electrical and gas work must be carried out by qualified professionals. Any kitchen renovation involving electrics requires Part P certification, and gas appliances must be installed by Gas Safe registered engineers. Never attempt shortcuts here: it's both dangerous and illegal.
When Staying Might Not Be the Best Option
While most renovations are manageable, certain circumstances make temporary relocation worth considering:
- Major structural work combining kitchen renovation with extension building
- Very long project timelines exceeding eight to ten weeks
- Immunocompromised household members for whom dust poses genuine health risks
- Work-from-home requirements demanding absolute quiet during core hours
- Young babies whose sleep schedules can't accommodate early morning construction noise
If relocation seems necessary, explore options with family nearby, short-term holiday lets across West Sussex, or discuss adjusted working hours with your builder to minimise peak disruption.
How the Right Contractor Makes All the Difference
The difference between a tolerable renovation and a nightmare often comes down to your choice of builder.
Professional contractors who regularly work in occupied homes understand the importance of:
- Arriving on time and maintaining consistent working hours
- Keeping the site tidy with daily clean-ups
- Communicating proactively about schedule changes or unexpected issues
- Respecting your home as a living space, not just a building site
- Working efficiently to minimise overall project duration
With over 20 years of experience renovating kitchens and homes across Bognor Regis, Chichester, Arundel, Littlehampton, and throughout West Sussex, we've refined our approach to make staying in your home as comfortable as possible. Browse our previous projects to see the quality of work we deliver.
Ready to Transform Your Kitchen?
Living through a kitchen renovation is absolutely achievable with proper planning, realistic expectations, and a professional team you can trust.
If you're considering a kitchen renovation anywhere in West Sussex: from Yapton to Westergate, Barnham to Eastergate: we'd love to discuss your project. We'll give you honest advice about timelines, help you understand what staying at home will involve, and ensure your renovation runs as smoothly as possible.
Contact Swanbourne Construction today on 07470 078236 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let's create the kitchen you've been dreaming of( without the stress.)