Do you need to leave? Depends.
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Depends entirely on what’s being done.
Minor water extraction? You can probably stay. Extensive mold remediation? You need to leave. Major fire damage with reconstruction? Definitely relocating. Sewage cleanup? Get out immediately.
If you’re facing restoration right now and wondering about staying or going, call 303-816-0068. We’ll assess your specific situation and give you honest advice about safety and practicality.
Your insurance company might cover temporary housing for certain situations. That’s worth knowing before you book a hotel and pay out of pocket. We’ll help you understand what your policy likely covers.
I’ve been doing restoration for over 30 years. This question comes up on every single job. People want to know if they can stay because relocating is expensive and disruptive. I get it. But sometimes staying isn’t safe. Sometimes it’s just impractical. And sometimes it’s fine with minor adjustments.
When You Definitely Need to Leave
Some situations aren’t negotiable. Safety requires relocation.
Sewage Contamination
Get out. Now. Don’t stay in a property with sewage backup.
Sewage contains bacteria, viruses, parasites that cause serious illness. The smell alone tells you this isn’t somewhere people should be living. Airborne pathogens. Contact contamination. Health risks are too high.
We’re doing sewage cleanup in full protective gear—respirators, waterproof suits, gloves. If we need that level of protection, you shouldn’t be breathing that air or walking through contaminated areas.
Extensive Mold Remediation
Active mold removal releases spores into the air. Lots of them. That’s why we use containment and negative air pressure—to keep spores from spreading. But even with containment, living in a property during major mold remediation isn’t smart.
Colorado’s typically dry climate makes people think mold isn’t a big issue here. But under wet carpets and inside wet walls or in wet basements, humidity hits 100%. Over 40° in your house? Perfect mold environment. And disturbing established mold colonies during remediation creates serious air quality issues.
Major Fire Damage
Fire-damaged structures have safety concerns. Compromised structural integrity. Electrical hazards. Soot everywhere that’s acidic and harmful to breathe. Smoke odor that’s more than just unpleasant—it’s actually toxic residue.
Plus the demolition and reconstruction noise, dust, and activity. You can’t live normally in a house being rebuilt.
Structural Instability
If structural engineers question the building’s integrity, everyone leaves until repairs are complete. No discussion. Safety first.
Extensive Reconstruction
Major reconstruction means your property is a construction site. No working kitchen. No functioning bathrooms. Dust everywhere. Tools and materials occupying living spaces. Power might be shut off periodically. Water might be shut off for plumbing work.
That’s not a livable situation. That’s a construction zone that happens to be your house.
When You Can Probably Stay
Some restoration work doesn’t require relocation if you can handle the inconvenience.
Minor Water Damage
Small area affected. One room. Carpet and padding. Drying equipment running but contained to specific areas. Rest of house functions normally.
You’ll hear equipment noise. Air movers sound like jet engines. Dehumidifiers hum constantly. But if you can tolerate noise and don’t mind working around equipment, staying is usually fine.
Isolated Repairs
One bathroom being reconstructed while others remain functional. One bedroom being repaired while you sleep in another room. Kitchen available while we work on other areas.
Inconvenient? Yes. Impossible? No.
Preventive Work
Sometimes we’re doing work that’s preventing problems rather than addressing active damage. Waterproofing. Preventive mold treatment. Maintenance work. These don’t typically require relocation.
The Gray Area Situations
These depend on multiple factors. Your tolerance. Property layout. Scope of work. Your specific circumstances.
Moderate Water Damage
Multiple rooms affected but not the whole house. Equipment running throughout but some areas unaffected. You’ve got places to retreat to while work continues in other areas.
A common thing seen in the industry is families with young children or elderly members struggling more with staying during restoration than young healthy adults would. Kids don’t sleep through equipment noise. Elderly people find navigating around equipment and disruption difficult.
Mold Remediation in Isolated Areas
Small mold situation in one bathroom. Or crawl space mold that’s completely isolated from living spaces. Proper containment keeps spores from spreading to occupied areas.
But if you’re sensitive to mold or have respiratory issues, leaving even during small mold jobs makes sense.
Fire Damage Without Structural Issues
Fire contained to one area. Smoke damage throughout but structure is sound. We’re cleaning and restoring but not doing major reconstruction.
You can stay if you can handle smoke odor during cleaning process and noise from equipment and work activity. Some people can. Others can’t tolerate the smell.
Extended Timeline Projects
Reconstruction taking 6-8 weeks. That’s a long time in a hotel. Some families choose to stay and work around the construction. Others relocate for sanity’s sake.
Financial considerations matter here too. Hotel costs for two months add up. If insurance isn’t covering temporary housing, staying might be the only realistic option.
Safety Considerations Drive the Decision
Safety isn’t negotiable. Convenience is.
Health and safety factors:
Air quality during work. Exposure to contaminants. Structural stability. Electrical and plumbing functionality. Access to sanitary facilities. Safe pathways through work areas.
If any of these are compromised, relocation is necessary regardless of convenience.
Tim Carter from Ask the Builder emphasizes that construction and restoration sites have inherent hazards. Professionals wear protective equipment for good reason. Homeowners living in active work zones face those same hazards without proper protection.
Children and pets complicate things:
Kids don’t understand “stay away from that area.” Pets don’t respect containment barriers. Restoration sites have tools, chemicals, equipment, and hazards.
Families with young children or pets usually find relocation easier than managing safety in an active restoration environment.
Special health considerations:
Respiratory conditions like asthma. Immune system issues. Allergies. Pregnancy. Anyone with health vulnerabilities should relocate during mold work, sewage cleanup, or situations with significant air quality concerns.
What Your Insurance Might Cover
Additional Living Expenses (ALE) is the coverage that might pay for temporary housing.
Typical ALE coverage includes:
Hotel or rental housing. Increased food costs if you can’t cook at home. Laundry expenses. Pet boarding sometimes. Other reasonable expenses from displacement.
When ALE typically applies:
Home is uninhabitable due to covered loss. Necessary repairs make living there unsafe or impossible. Government orders evacuation. Or repairs prevent normal use of essential services.
When ALE typically doesn’t apply:
Minor repairs that don’t prevent occupancy. Repairs are inconvenient but home remains habitable. Damage isn’t from covered loss. Or you choose to relocate for convenience when it’s not necessary.
Important about ALE:
It has time limits. Usually pays for reasonable time to complete repairs. Has dollar limits. Caps on daily or total expenses. And requires documentation. Save all receipts for reimbursement.
What I’ve seen happen is homeowners relocate without checking their policy first. Then discover their situation doesn’t qualify for ALE coverage. Now they’re paying out of pocket for housing that insurance won’t reimburse.
Call your insurance agent before booking temporary housing. Confirm your situation qualifies for ALE. Understand your limits. Get pre-approval if possible.
We can help you understand if your situation typically qualifies for ALE based on our experience. But your agent gives you the definitive answer about your specific policy.
Practical Considerations Beyond Safety
Even when staying is safe, it might not be practical or pleasant.
Equipment noise is constant:
Air movers run 24/7 during drying. They’re loud. Really loud. Sleep becomes difficult. Concentration impossible. Phone calls require leaving the house.
Some people adapt. Others find it intolerable after one night.
Living space is disrupted:
Furniture moved. Contents boxed up. Work areas inaccessible. Normal routines impossible. Your home doesn’t feel like home anymore.
That psychological aspect affects people differently. Some handle disruption fine. Others find it deeply stressful.
Privacy concerns:
Technicians in your home daily. Sometimes multiple times per day. Checking equipment. Monitoring progress. Doing work.
That’s fine for some people. Others prefer privacy and find constant worker presence uncomfortable.
Work schedule disruptions:
If you work from home, staying during restoration might not be viable. Can’t take Zoom calls with air movers running in the background. Can’t concentrate with construction noise. Internet might be affected during electrical work.
Kitchen and bathroom access:
Reconstruction affecting these spaces makes staying impractical even if it’s technically possible. No working kitchen means eating out every meal. One bathroom down while family of five needs to share remaining bathroom. These logistics wear on people quickly.
Temporary Housing Options
If you need to relocate, several options exist.
Hotels:
Most expensive usually. Convenient. No setup required. But cramped for families. Expensive for extended stays. Pets often not allowed.
Short-term rentals:
Vacation rentals, Airbnb, corporate housing. More space than hotels. Kitchen facilities. Often pet-friendly. Better for families. But require more setup and might have minimum stay requirements.
Staying with family or friends:
Cheapest option obviously. But imposes on relationships. Works for short-term. Gets difficult for extended stays.
RV or camper:
If you own one or can rent affordably. Provides independence. Works if you have place to park it. But tight quarters and limited facilities.
What insurance typically prefers:
Comparable housing to your current situation. They’ll question luxury accommodations that exceed your normal living standard. But they’ll pay for housing that reasonably matches what you had.
Planning for Relocation
If relocation is necessary, planning makes it easier.
What to take with you:
Essential documents. Medications. Clothing for the expected timeframe. Valuable items you don’t want in work areas. Pet supplies if you have pets.
What to leave:
Most contents can stay if properly protected. We pack or cover items in work areas. Seal unaffected areas to prevent dust migration. Your belongings are generally safer staying than moving them unnecessarily.
Utilities during relocation:
Keep them on usually. We need power and water for restoration work. Climate control prevents additional damage. Some restoration equipment requires utilities.
Mail and deliveries:
Forward mail or have someone collect it. Stop regular deliveries or arrange alternative delivery location. Make sure someone’s monitoring your property.
Security:
Property with ongoing work is more vulnerable to theft. We secure work sites daily. But having someone check on property periodically provides additional security.
Pets During Restoration
Pets complicate staying during restoration significantly.
Safety concerns for pets:
They don’t understand boundaries. Will walk through work areas. Might get into chemicals or materials. Could get injured by equipment or tools. Stress from noise and disruption affects behavior.
Our concerns about pets:
Doors left open while moving equipment. Pets escaping. Workers allergic to pets. Pets interfering with work. Liability if pets get injured.
Best approach for pets:
Boarding during active restoration work. Staying with family or friends. Taking them with you if you relocate. Keeping them completely separated from work areas if they must stay.
What can happen is families keeping pets at home during restoration. Dog gets into the work area. Eats something toxic. Now you’ve got emergency vet bills on top of restoration stress. Or cat escapes through door we left open moving equipment. That’s terrible for everyone.
Communication About Occupancy
We discuss occupancy during initial assessment.
What we tell you:
Whether your situation requires relocation. If staying is optional versus necessary. Safety concerns that affect the decision. Practical considerations you should think about. Timeline for how long disruption lasts.
What we need from you:
Your preference if staying is optional. Your tolerance for disruption. Any special circumstances we should know about. Clear understanding of our working hours and access needs.
Ongoing communication:
If scope changes requiring relocation when we thought you could stay, we discuss that immediately. If work finishes faster and you can return sooner than expected, we let you know. Communication stays open throughout.
Working Around Occupants
When people stay during restoration, we adapt our approach.
Scheduling considerations:
Working hours that minimize disruption. Avoiding early mornings or late evenings when possible. Coordinating around your schedule for critical work requiring utility shutoffs.
Containment strategies:
Extra barriers to isolate work areas. Negative air pressure to prevent dust and contaminant spread. Daily cleanup so living areas stay manageable.
Communication protocols:
Letting you know before we arrive. Explaining what we’re doing and why. Checking before accessing certain areas. Respecting your space as much as possible.
Lee Wallender from The Spruce writes about the challenge of restoration work in occupied homes. It slows things down. Requires extra care. Increases costs slightly. But sometimes it’s the only viable option and professionals make it work.
The Honest Truth About Extended Stays
If restoration takes weeks or months, staying becomes increasingly difficult even when it’s technically possible.
First few days:
Manageable. You’re in crisis mode. Adrenaline’s going. You push through inconvenience.
Week two:
Wears thin. Noise is constant. Disruption is exhausting. Routines are still impossible. You’re getting tired of the situation.
Weeks three through eight:
Genuinely difficult. Stress compounds. Living in chaos takes psychological toll. Small inconveniences feel overwhelming. Relationships get strained.
After two months:
People who insisted they could handle staying are often regretting that decision. But moving now means paying for temporary housing that insurance might not cover anymore since you demonstrated you could stay.
My honest advice? If restoration takes more than a week or two, seriously consider relocating even if it’s not strictly necessary. Your mental health and family harmony matter. The financial cost of temporary housing might be worth it.
Children Complicate Everything
Kids make staying during restoration much harder.
Babies and toddlers:
Can’t explain why home is disrupted. Don’t sleep through equipment noise. Put everything in their mouths including construction materials. Need supervision constantly to stay out of work areas.
School-age kids:
Need space for homework. Need quiet for virtual learning. Want friends over but home’s not presentable. Frustrated by restricted access to their stuff.
Teenagers:
Need privacy that’s impossible during active restoration. Embarrassed about home situation. Want independence but home isn’t safe for unsupervised time.
All ages:
Stressed by disruption. Acting out because life is chaotic. Needing stability that restoration disrupts.
A common thing seen is families trying to make it work for kids’ sake—keeping kids in same school, same routine. But kids actually often adapt better to temporary relocation than to living in restoration chaos.
Making the Decision
Several factors influence whether staying works.
Scope and timeline:
One week of minor work? You can tough it out. Six weeks of major reconstruction? Relocation makes more sense.
Financial situation:
Can you afford temporary housing if insurance doesn’t cover it? Some families don’t have that option.
Support system:
Can you stay with family? That makes relocation affordable. No local support? That complicates things.
Work situation:
Can you work from elsewhere? Relocation is easier. Must work from home? That limits options.
Family composition:
Just adults who can adapt? Different than family with young kids and pets.
Personal stress tolerance:
Some people handle chaos fine. Others need orderly environments. Know yourself honestly.
What We Recommend
Based on 30+ years doing this work, here’s what usually works best:
Short-term work (under one week):
Stay if scope allows. It’s manageable for most people. Save money and hassle of relocating.
One to two weeks:
Case by case. Depends on factors above. We give honest assessment of what you’re facing.
Two to four weeks:
Consider relocating. That’s long enough that disruption significantly affects quality of life.
Over a month:
Strongly recommend relocation. Living in restoration environment for extended periods takes real toll.
Active safety hazards (any timeline):
Leave. Don’t compromise safety regardless of timeline or cost.
The Bottom Line
Every situation is unique. No single answer covers all cases.
Call 303-816-0068 for assessment of your specific situation. We’ll give you honest advice about safety and practicality. We’ll help you understand what your insurance might cover. And we’ll work with whatever you decide.
Your safety comes first. Your family’s wellbeing matters. If relocation is necessary, we’ll tell you directly. If staying is okay but difficult, we’ll explain challenges honestly so you can make informed decisions.
Three decades doing this has taught me: Some families handle disruption amazingly well. Others struggle with minor inconvenience. There’s no wrong answer. Do what works for your family and your situation.
