Can You Renovate a Kitchen While Living in the House?

A new kitchen brings excitement, but the journey there can feel challenging. Living through the process is possible with the right preparation, and many Irish families choose to stay in their homes while the work is underway.

At Kube Interiors, we’ve supported families across Ireland through the ups and downs of their kitchens renovations, and the truth is, yes — you can live at home during the process. But it does come with challenges. With the right preparation, you can minimise disruption and keep your household running smoothly until your new kitchen is ready.

What to Expect During a Kitchen Renovation

Renovating a kitchen isn’t a quiet or tidy project. Depending on the scale of work, you may experience:

• Noise and dust from demolition and construction
• Limited access to appliances like the oven, hob, or dishwasher
• Tradespeople on site daily, often early in the morning
• Temporary water or electricity shut-offs during plumbing and wiring work

Knowing these realities in advance helps you plan ways to cope while the heart of your home is under construction.

The Benefits of Staying at Home

Many homeowners choose to live in their house during renovations rather than move out temporarily.

Advantages include:

• Cost savings: Avoids the expense of renting elsewhere.
• Supervision: You can keep an eye on progress and make quick decisions.
• Comfort: Staying in familiar surroundings, especially for families with children or pets.

Living at home also keeps you close to your renovation team, making communication easier.

The Challenges of Staying Put

While possible, living through a kitchen renovation can test your patience.

Potential drawbacks:

• Disruption to routines: Mealtimes, school runs, and work-from-home schedules may be affected.
• Dust and clutter: Even with protective coverings, construction creates mess.
• Stress levels: The noise, temporary inconvenience, and limited cooking facilities can feel overwhelming.

The key is to balance these challenges with preparation and flexibility.

Tips for Living at Home During a Kitchen Renovation

From our experience, here’s how to make the process easier:

1. Set Up a Temporary Kitchen – Create a small cooking area elsewhere in the house. A microwave, toaster, and kettle can cover the basics. If possible, keep your fridge running in another room.
2. Plan Simple Meals – Focus on easy-to-make dishes or batch cooking before the project starts. Many families lean on slow cookers, air fryers, or even local takeaways for a few weeks.
3. Protect Your Belongings – Use dust sheets and pack away anything you don’t want exposed to dust or disruption.
4. Stay Flexible – Expect some adjustments in schedule. Delays can happen due to weather, supply chains, or unexpected issues behind the walls.
5. Communicate with Your Installer – Clear communication with your kitchen team helps avoid surprises and keeps the project moving smoothly.

How Long Will It Take?

The length of time you’ll need to adjust your living arrangements depends on the scope of the project:

• Minor updates (like new cabinet doors or worktops) may take just a few days.
• Full renovations involving new plumbing, electrics, or flooring typically last 6–8 weeks.
• Custom kitchens or complex layouts may take longer.

At Kube Interiors, we provide a clear timeline at the start so you know exactly what to expect.

When Moving Out Might Be Better

While many families stay home, there are times when moving out temporarily makes more sense:

• Extensive renovations that affect plumbing, electrics, and flooring simultaneously
• Allergy concerns where dust could trigger health issues
• Busy households with small children, elderly family members, or pets who may struggle with noise and disruption

Even if you move out for just the noisiest or dustiest stages, it can make the experience far easier.

Living Through a Renovation — With Support

So, can you renovate a kitchen while living in the house? Absolutely. With a bit of planning, flexibility, and the right support team, it’s possible to keep your household comfortable while your new kitchen takes shape.

At Kube Interiors, we see our role as more than just installers. We’re companions and consultants throughout the process — helping you make smart decisions, minimise disruption, and look forward to the day when you step into a beautiful, functional kitchen built to last.

Meta Title: Can You Renovate a Kitchen While Living in the House? | Kube Interiors
Meta Description: Wondering if you can stay home during a kitchen renovation? Kube Interiors shares practical advice to keep your household running smoothly in Ireland.