Can I live in my house during an extension build?

Whether you can remain in your home during an extension depends on more than the size of the project. The location of the work, access to key living areas and the level of disruption all play a part. Understanding these factors early can help you decide if staying at home is practical or if temporary accommodation would be a better option.

The type and scale of the extension

The type of extension has a major impact on whether you can continue living at home. Smaller projects or second-storey extensions often allow you to use most of your existing living spaces while work is carried out. Larger ground-floor extensions, especially those involving kitchens or main living areas, are more likely to disrupt your daily routine and may require you to move out for part of the build.

Access to essential rooms and utilities

Being able to safely access your kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, and essential utilities is another important consideration. If construction affects electricity, plumbing or other key services, remaining at home may become difficult or unsafe. Before your project begins, review the Victorian Building Authority's home renovation essentials to better understand your responsibilities and what to expect during the building process.

Noise, dust and general disruption

Construction can bring unavoidable noise, dust and increased activity around your home. Power tools, deliveries and tradespeople may affect your normal routine, particularly during demolition and structural work. While experienced builders take steps to minimise disruption, it's important to consider how these conditions may impact your family's comfort, work schedules and day-to-day activities.

Many homeowners can continue living in their house during an extension, but there are situations where temporary accommodation is the safer and more practical choice. Moving out for part of the build can reduce stress, protect your family's wellbeing and allow construction to progress more efficiently.

You may want to move out if:

• Essential services will be disconnected. Temporary interruptions to electricity, water or plumbing can make your home difficult to live in.
• Major structural work is underway. Demolition, wall removals or roof alterations may limit safe access to parts of your home.
• Construction affects key living areas. If your kitchen, bathroom or bedrooms are unavailable, maintaining your daily routine can become challenging.
• You have young children or pets. Construction zones, machinery and increased site activity may create additional safety risks.
• You work or study from home. Constant noise, dust and interruptions can make it difficult to stay productive.

Every extension is different, so it's important to discuss your living arrangements with your builder before work begins. The Victorian Government's building and renovating checklists provide useful guidance to help you prepare for each stage of your extension project.

Hear from Supa Group’s team about the practical and safety factors to consider before deciding whether to remain at home during construction, from essential living areas and family needs to dust, structural work and disruption.

If you're hoping to remain in your home during construction, a second-storey extension can often make that possible. Because most of the work takes place above the existing home, the ground level remains liveable for much of the project, reducing disruption to your daily routine compared to an extension that affects your main living areas.

At Supa Group, we design and build second-storey house extensions that minimise disruption wherever possible while creating valuable new living space. With careful planning, clear communication and staged construction, many Melbourne families can continue living comfortably at home for much of the build.

Planning to expand your home? Our home extension service is designed to create functional, seamless living spaces that suit your family's needs while complementing your existing home.

Will my home insurance cover a house extension?

Many home insurance policies require you to notify your insurer before building work begins. Depending on the project, you may need to update your cover while construction is underway. Check with your insurer before starting your house extension to avoid any gaps in protection.

Can I use parts of my backyard during construction?

That depends on the location of the extension and how the building site is set up. Your builder may temporarily restrict access to outdoor areas to accommodate machinery, material storage, or safety barriers. They'll let you know which areas remain accessible throughout the project.

How often should I expect updates from my builder?

A well-managed project should include regular communication about progress, upcoming work, and any schedule changes. Knowing what's happening each week makes it easier to plan around construction and reduces unexpected disruption.

Will living at home slow down the construction process?

Not necessarily. An experienced extension builder will plan the project to minimise disruption while maintaining efficient workflows. However, there may be times when temporary access to certain rooms is needed to keep the project on schedule.

Can I make design changes once construction has started?

Small changes may be possible, but they can affect costs, approvals and construction timelines. Finalising your design before work begins helps avoid delays and gives your builder greater certainty throughout the project.