How to Keep Your Home Livable During a Renovation

Smart Strategies + Tom’s Thoughtful Approach to a Stress-Free Remodel

A home renovation can be life-changing (in the best possible way.) Maybe you’re finally getting that open-concept kitchen you’ve dreamed of, upgrading your bathroom to feel like a spa, or reworking the layout to better fit your family’s needs. But let’s be honest… renovating while still living in your home can be a challenge if you don’t have a plan.

That’s where Thomas Meyer Renovations sets itself apart. Tom understands that behind every renovation is a real family, with routines, kids, pets, and daily life that doesn’t stop just because there’s work happening in your home. That’s why his approach focuses not only on craftsmanship and design, but also on comfort, safety, and communication every step of the way.

How Tom Keeps Your Home Safe, Clean, and Comfortable

1. Dust & Debris Control Is Top Priority

Dust is one of the biggest culprits of renovation stress and Tom doesn’t take it lightly. Before work begins, Tom and his crew carefully seal off the construction zone from the rest of your home using professional-grade barriers like zip walls, plastic sheeting, and boards to protect your floors. If you’re remodeling your kitchen, for example, Tom will make sure the surrounding rooms are shielded from potential debris and sawdust.

At the end of each day, the workspace is swept and organized—no piles of debris or scattered tools left behind.

Tom says: “Just because we’re under construction doesn’t mean your house has to feel like a mess. Cleanliness is an important part of the job.”

2. Safe Walkways & Protected Spaces

Safety isn’t just about hard hats and hammers. It’s about making sure you can walk through your home without worry. Tom ensures that walkways are cleared as much as possible, materials are neatly stacked, and high-traffic areas are protected. If you’re living at home during the project, Tom takes extra care to communicate where you can and shouldn’t walk at any given time.

If there are small children or pets in the home, Tom suggests things such as temporary safety gates or to make alternative arrangements, so no one wanders into unsafe areas.

Pro Tip: Use painter’s tape on the floor to mark “safe zones” for little ones. This gives them visual boundaries and peace of mind for you.

3. Respect for Your Routine

Renovations don’t happen in a vacuum. Tom knows his clients have lives to live. From the start, he works with you to understand your family’s schedule and top priorities. Whether that means planning noisy demolition for when you’re at work or adjusting start times to allow for a few chunks of planned quiet time. Tom is flexible and communicative.

You’ll always know what’s happening next and when. No surprise visits. No unexplained delays. Just a clear, respectful partnership that keeps your daily life on track.

Tom’s philosophy: “This is still your home. We’re just helping improve it. You deserve to feel comfortable every day, even mid-renovation.”

Tips for Living Through a Renovation Like a Pro

Even with a contractor like Tom who prioritizes your well-being, there are a few things homeowners can do to help themselves stay sane during the process:

1. Set Up a Temporary Living Zone

If your kitchen is under construction, set up a kitchenette with essentials like a toaster oven, microwave, coffee maker, and mini fridge. A folding table in the dining room or basement can become a temporary prep station. Keep paper plates, utensils, and snacks handy for low-effort meals.

If it’s your only bathroom being worked on, talk with Tom about creating some kind of schedule about when it can be used and not.

2. Declutter & Protect What You Love

Pack up breakables, electronics, or decor from rooms that will be affected (even indirectly). Renovation dust has a way of traveling! Store these items in labeled bins and cover furniture that can’t be moved.

If you’re working from home, consider relocating your desk or carving out a temporary office nook away from the noise.

3. Keep Daily Essentials Accessible

Use a clear storage bin or basket labeled “daily use” to hold important items like chargers, medicine, keys, pet leashes, or snacks. That way, even when the rest of your home is under construction, your essentials are easy to grab.

4. Take Before Photos (and Progress Pics!)

Not only will these make for a satisfying before-and-after reveal, but they’ll also help you remember what goes where when it’s time to move back in. Documenting the process also helps you stay connected to the transformation, even on days when the mess feels overwhelming.

5. Start a “Renovation Command Center”

Whether it’s a notepad on the counter or a shared Google Doc, have one place where you can jot down questions, note upcoming deliveries, and stay in sync with the construction timeline. Tom is always available to answer questions, but having a central place to track info can help you feel more in control.

Final Thoughts

Renovating your home is a big deal, and it should feel exciting, not exhausting. With the right contractor (like Tom!) and a few smart prep steps, you can live comfortably and safely through the process.

Tom Meyer believes every renovation should be a partnership. He treats your home with care, communicates clearly, and works hard to minimize stress while maximizing results. Whether you’re updating your bathroom, reworking your basement, or gutting the kitchen, you can count on Thomas Meyer Renovations to prioritize your comfort, safety, and peace of mind every step of the way.

Thinking about a renovation, but worried about the chaos?

Reach out to Tom today to talk through the process and learn how a livable renovation is absolutely possible… with the right plan and the right team.