When your home is being renovated or built from the ground up, finding the right temporary housing isn’t just nice to have; it can be critical for maintaining some level of normalcy and peace of mind.
Whether you’re relocating temporarily, dealing with major construction or simply renovating part of your home and wanting to keep living conditions manageable, understanding your temporary housing options is key.
In this piece, we’ll walk you through what to consider when searching for temporary housing, explore the various types of temporary housing available and share tips for making your temporary space feel more like home.
Key Takeaways
- Temporary housing during construction or renovations gives you a functional living space away from the disruption of your primary home.
- When choosing temporary housing, you’ll want to weigh budget, length of stay, location, amenities and how your family is affected.
- There are several types of temporary housing options, from extended stay hotels to furnished apartments and short-term rentals, each with pros and cons.
- Staying somewhere else during major work can reduce stress, maintain routines and protect you from noise, dust and safety issues.
- You can make your temporary housing feel more like home by decorating and maintaining daily routines.
- If you’re embarking on home construction or renovations, consider booking with Extended Stay America, which offers suites for longer stays with all the amenities you need to maintain your daily routine.
What to Consider When Searching for Temporary Housing
In the U.S., the average time to build a single-family home from start to finish is roughly 10 months. For major renovations, some projects involve months of planning and then several months of building. For example, kitchen remodels take roughly 10 months of planning and five months of building.
That’s a long time to be away from home, which means whatever temporary housing you choose should feel safe, comfortable and affordable.
When you begin exploring your options for temporary housing during construction or home renovations, it’s smart to first focus on several key factors. These will help you narrow down what really matters for your situation and avoid surprises down the road.
Budget
Your budget will help narrow down your temporary housing search. If the construction or renovation is going to last several months, it will be important to find options that offer low and predictable monthly rates.
Be sure to factor in all costs, including utilities, parking, potential pet fees and any added costs for extended stay amenities. Also consider what you’re saving by not living in your regular home (e.g., reduced utility or cleaning costs) and weigh that against the temporary housing cost.
Length of Stay
Knowing how long you’ll need temporary housing during construction or renovations is critical. A five-week displacement differs tremendously from a 10-month stay. The longer the stay, the more comfortable the housing needs to be.
Extended stay hotels or furnished apartments tend to work better for longer timeframes. Short-term options like standard hotels or staying with family could be fine for a little time away, but they may lack the features you need to feel comfortable.
Location
Where you stay matters. When sifting through your temporary housing options, look at proximity to your usual routines (work, school, groceries), transportation and neighborhood vibe.
If you’re displaced from your home, staying too far away can add daily stress that can make the temporary period feel much longer.
Amenities
Temporary housing should ideally allow you to live as close to normal as possible, despite being away from your home. That means having amenities like a kitchen, laundry access, wi-fi, sufficient space for your belongings and a comfortable sleeping and living area.
If you’ll be staying many weeks or months, having a full kitchen rather than just a microwave and mini fridge can make a big difference in quality of life.
Kids, Pets and Family Needs
If your family includes children, pets or others who rely on familiar spaces, then your temporary housing needs to accommodate those realities. That might mean extra space for toys, safe play areas, pet-friendly policies or proximity to schools and parks.
The more your housing supports the whole household, the smoother the transition during renovations or construction will be.
6 Temporary Housing Options During Construction or Renovations
Finding the right temporary home during construction or renovation depends on how long you’ll be displaced, your budget, your family’s needs and how much comfort and privacy you want.
Below are some of the most common temporary housing options.
Extended Stay Hotels
Extended stay hotels are built for longer stays, offering spacious suites with kitchens, flexible booking and amenities that support everyday living. They provide a balance of comfort, convenience and predictable costs without long-term leases. For many households, they deliver the easiest transition during construction or renovation.
Pros:
- Flexible nightly, weekly or monthly rates
- Full kitchens support daily cooking routines and help you save money on dining
- On-site amenities like free wi-fi, laundry and free breakfast at participating hotels
- Pet-friendly options available
- No lease, security deposit or utility setup
Cons:
- Smaller than full apartments
- Less personalization compared to a typical rental home
Furnished Apartments
Furnished apartments offer a residential feel with full-size kitchens, separate living spaces and ready-to-use furniture. They’re ideal for longer renovation timelines when you want more room and a closer match to home living.
Pros:
- Spacious layouts suited for families
- Full kitchens and full-size appliances
- More privacy and storage than hotels
Cons:
- Often requires longer minimum stays
- Upfront deposits, cleaning fees or application fees may apply
- Fewer built-in amenities (no front desk, limited housekeeping)
- Not all are pet friendly
- It’s typically your responsibility to set up and pay for utilities and internet
- Some require you to purchase renter’s insurance
Short-Term Home Rentals
Short-term rentals range from private rooms to entire homes, offering flexibility in size and style. They often include fully equipped kitchens and neighborhood-style living, which can feel comfortable during long renovations. However, the quality and consistency of these rentals can vary widely.
Pros:
- Wide range of home styles and layouts
- Full kitchens and household amenities
- Suitable for long stays with family or pets
Cons:
- Inconsistent quality and cleanliness
- Higher seasonal pricing and added fees
- Less reliable customer support than hotels
- Often require you to clean upon departure
Staying with Friends or Family
Staying with loved ones is often the most budget-friendly option, especially for short renovation phases. It can provide emotional support and familiarity, but sharing space can become challenging if your construction timeline extends.
Pros:
- Low or no cost
- Built-in support system
- Comfortable and familiar environment
Cons:
- Limited privacy
- Potential to put strain on relationships
- Not ideal for long-term displacement
Renting a Mobile Home or RV
Some homeowners choose to bring a mobile home or RV onto their property during construction. This can keep you close to the project and reduce disruptions to your daily routines. Still, these units can be tight on space and may require hookups or permits.
Pros:
- Stay close to your home and renovation site
- No need to relocate schools or routines
- Often more budget-friendly than long-term rental
Cons:
- Limited space, especially for families
- Requires hookups, utilities or zoning approval
- Fewer amenities and a more basic living setup
Home Swapping or Temporary Relocation Services
Home-swapping platforms and temporary relocation programs offer fully furnished homes you can temporarily rent. They can feel very home-like and may be cost effective, but availability is limited and arrangements are often less flexible.
Pros:
- Residential feel with full household amenities
- Potentially lower costs than short-term rentals
- Suitable for longer renovation timelines
Cons:
- Limited availability
- More logistics and coordination required
- May not fit shorter renovation or moving timelines
Why Stay in Temporary Housing During Construction or Renovations?
It might seem simpler to stay in your home while the construction or renovation is underway, but there are important reasons to consider an alternate living arrangement.
Staying elsewhere protects you and your family from noise, dust, safety risks and the general disruption of living in a construction zone. A dedicated temporary home gives you a chance to maintain your routines with minimal interruptions. It also helps preserve your quality of life and may reduce stress.
Even if staying at home during construction or renovation is an option, it’s important to determine whether the convenience of remaining on-site truly outweighs the disruption. Living through noise, dust, limited access to rooms and unpredictable schedules can quickly take a toll, especially for families, pets or anyone working from home.
Ultimately, stepping into temporary housing can offer the stability and comfort your household needs while the work gets done.
Extended Stay America: Your Temporary Home Away from Home
Embarking on a home build or major renovation is a big commitment. The right temporary housing can make a significant difference in how you maintain your quality of life.
At Extended Stay America, we offer hotels designed to help you save and stay comfortable when you have to be away from home. Our suites are designed to make living away from home as comfortable as possible. Enjoy fully equipped kitchens, affordable rates, weekly housekeeping, free breakfast at participating locations and on-site guest laundry.
Whether your project takes weeks or months, choosing a place that supports real living can transform your experience.
Ready to stay somewhere that works for your schedule, your budget and your life? Book with Extended Stay America today for temporary housing that truly feels like home.
