Living in your home while it’s being remodeled is a bit like camping—except instead of Mount Hood views, you’ve got a view of your kitchen with no counters and a fine layer of drywall dust sprinkled on everything like powdered sugar on a Voodoo Doughnut. For Beaverton homeowners, remodeling while staying put can be both practical and cost-saving, but it does take some strategy (and maybe a little extra patience). Here’s how to make it work without losing your sanity—or your favorite coffee mug.

1. Set Up a Temporary “Mini-Home”

When the heart of your home is off-limits, designate a safe zone. Maybe it’s the basement, a guest bedroom, or that corner of the living room that still has outlets and natural light. Stock it with essentials: snacks, coffee maker, and Wi-Fi access (because no one wants to be cut off from binge-watching while contractors hammer away). Think of it as your Beaverton “satellite apartment”—no rent required.

2. Rethink Meals Like a Local

If your kitchen is being remodeled, your microwave and grill become your best friends. Use small appliances like slow cookers or air fryers for variety. And hey, if all else fails, Beaverton’s food scene has your back—between farmers markets, food trucks, and local favorites, you won’t go hungry. Just tell people you’re “researching local cuisine” instead of admitting your fridge is currently parked in the garage.

3. Embrace the Dust (Sort Of)

Remodeling comes with dust, and lots of it. No matter how much plastic sheeting goes up, some will sneak through like rain clouds on a Beaverton morning. Protect furniture with covers and consider investing in an air purifier. A pro tip? Keep a sense of humor. That fine white layer coating your TV stand? Call it “industrial chic” until the remodel is done.

4. Keep Communication Flowing

Your contractors aren’t mind readers (though it would be handy if they were). Establish clear communication early on about schedules, noise levels, and expectations. This keeps surprises to a minimum and helps you plan when to be out of the house—like during that extra-loud phase when it sounds like someone’s building a treehouse in your living room.

5. Find Balance Outside the Home

When the chaos gets overwhelming, Beaverton offers plenty of escapes. Take a stroll through Tualatin Hills Nature Park, grab coffee at your favorite local roaster, or sneak in some quiet time at the library. A quick break can make coming back to a half-finished bathroom feel a little less daunting.

Living in your house during a remodel isn’t exactly glamorous, but with the right prep and mindset, it’s entirely doable. Think of it as a temporary inconvenience on the road to a more functional, beautiful home.

If you’re considering a remodel and want to plan ahead for the realities of living through it, Lazy Susan Design & Remodeling is here to help guide you through the process. Call 971 983 7207 to apply and make your Beaverton remodel as smooth (and dust-free) as possible.