10 tips for living on site

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 enquiries 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