The Complete Guide To Temporary Housing During Long Renovation Processes

Renovating your home can be a thrilling yet challenging experience, especially when the upgrades are extensive enough to require moving out. Finding suitable temporary housing during long renovation is crucial to maintaining a normal life while your dream home is being made. This guide provides practical insights to help you navigate this essential aspect of home improvement smoothly. What Are You Looking For In A Temporary Home? Before starting the search for temporary housing, it’s important to determine what you need. Consider the expected duration of your renovation—will it be a couple of months or over a year? Space is another critical factor; do you need multiple bedrooms for a family, or is a studio apartment sufficient? List your must-haves, like pet-friendliness or accessibility features, to avoid compromising on essential needs. What Are The Types Of Temporary Housing Available? Several housing solutions can cater to your temporary needs: Rental apartments: Many communities offer leases with terms as short as a month, which is ideal for renovation timelines that aren’t set in stone. Extended-stay hotels can be surprisingly affordable, especially if you negotiate a rate for a longer stay. They offer added benefits like housekeeping, utilities, and furniture. Vacation rentals: Using services like Airbnb can provide a homelike environment and the flexibility to choose a place that closely matches your living conditions. Modular homes: If your property has space, temporarily setting up a modular home can keep you very close to the action, allowing you to monitor the renovation progress firsthand. Budget for Temporary Housing Setting a budget for temporary accommodation is critical. On average, you might spend anywhere from 25% to 50% of your usual monthly housing cost, depending on the type and location of the housing. But if you want something luxurious, you can expect to pay as much as you pay for housing usually. It’s wise to shop around and compare prices and amenities. Some landlords may offer discounts for longer stays, so don’t hesitate to ask for a better deal. Key Features to Look For in Temporary Housing When choosing your temporary housing, prioritize locations that offer convenience and comfort. Look for features that make a long-term stay bearable. Ensure the place has a functional kitchen, laundry facilities, and enough living space. An internet connection is also crucial if you or family members need to work or study from home. The proximity to your renovation site is important. Staying nearby can save you time and stress by simplifying the commute to check on progress or meet with contractors. Additionally, being close to schools, parks, or shopping centers can maintain a sense of normalcy. What Should You Know About Lease Agreements and Rentals for Temporary Housing?  Understanding lease agreements is key when selecting temporary housing during long renovation processes. Opt for a lease that offers flexibility in terms of duration and potential early termination, if necessary. Many landlords and rental agencies offer short-term rentals specifically designed for situations like renovations, which can be terminated or extended based on the progress of your home improvements. How Can You Live Comfortably in Temporary Quarters? To make the most of your stay in temporary housing during long renovation, focus on making the space feel like home. Since you might live there for a considerable period, comfortably settling in is essential. And since most people will likely rent a smaller place to save money, you must also try to make the most of your limited space. Try the following: Bring personal items that evoke a sense of home, like photos, blankets, or favorite books. If space allows, invest in storage solutions that keep the area uncluttered. Establish a routine that helps maintain normalcy for you and your family. Live Comfortably By Eliminating Clutter When renovating your home and moving into temporary housing, one often overlooked aspect is the sheer volume of belongings that need to be accommodated. Many people underestimate how much they need for a temporary stay, leading to a cluttered and uncomfortable living environment in their temporary space.  That is where the benefits of renting a storage unit become obvious. Renting storage can significantly extend your living space by keeping non-essential items out of your temporary residence. Also, renting a storage unit is typically more cost-effective than paying for a larger apartment. These compelling reasons to rent storage make it a practical solution not just for ease of living but also for budgeting. In the end, storage can help ensure that your temporary housing situation remains spacious and comfortable, allowing you to focus more on the excitement of your home renovation project. Coordinate Between Renovation and Moving It is crucial to maintain a smooth transition between your temporary housing and home renovation. Regular communication with your contractors will help you stay updated on the renovation’s progress and adjust your temporary housing plans accordingly. That might mean extending your stay in a rental or moving back sooner than planned. Set up weekly check-ins with your renovation team to discuss timelines and any adjustments needed. Communicate openly with your temporary housing provider to discuss potential extensions or changes in your rental agreement. Resources and Help for Finding Temporary Housing During Long Renovation Finding the right temporary housing can be daunting, but several resources can simplify the process: Online Rental Platforms: Websites like Airbnb, Vrbo, and other rental platforms offer various temporary housing options suited to various needs and budgets. But beware: If you are transforming your home this summer, there will likely be fewer options to choose from, and the prices will be higher.  Relocation Specialists: Relocation specialists can provide valuable assistance in finding and securing temporary housing that meets your specific requirements. Enjoy Your Temporary Home! Choosing the right temporary housing during long renovation is more than finding a place to stay. It’s about maintaining your lifestyle and comfort while waiting for your dream home to be ready. With careful planning and the right resources, you can find a temporary home that fits your needs and allows you to continue living comfortably. *Written by a Guest Blogger of Rêve Realtors

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Don’t Do These 7 Things to Your NOLA Home (According to Experts)

Is there anything more exciting than moving into a new house? Of course, you'll want to put personal touches on your dwelling as soon as you settle in. Homeownership in New Orleans presents a few challenges, though. From working through unruly weather to navigating renovations on a historic structure, making upgrades requires much consideration. Fortunately, it's nothing research, careful planning and expert advice can't help you with. Whether you're a long-time resident or new to town, here are seven things you should avoid when updating a New Orleans home. 1. Ignoring Historic Preservation Rules New Orleans boasts 26 historic districts, covering 40% of the city. It also has 111 historic properties, which give it its beloved and most recognized charm. Ultimately, this may not be the right place for you if you're after ultra-modern decor. Homeowners should avoid significant contemporary renovations, which may clash with the home or neighborhood's historic architecture. Instead, they should look for ways to complement the city's heritage in their upgrades. For example, leave the intricate crown moldings and ironwork. Also, consider seamlessly meshing old and new materials so they don't look out of place. Just be sure to check with the city's Division of Historic Preservation to ensure your renovations align with its standards. 2. Painting Brick Without Proper Preparation Giving a brick home a fresh coat of paint can hide many imperfections and help it stand out on the block. However, brick's porousness and NOLA's humid climate could spell disaster if you don't prepare it properly. Moisture could cause the paint to bubble, crack and eventually peel. If the brick is dirty or unsealed, you may also have difficulty applying the paint evenly. Although it's an extra step, preparing the brick ensures a long-lasting finish you only have to worry about doing once.   3. Neglecting Wrought Iron Many NOLA homes — especially historic ones — have wrought iron features you'll want to highlight. However, when left unmaintained in the heat, humidity and precipitation, these elements can rust and become a safety hazard. You don't want to scrape yourself on corroded surfaces. It's essential to clean the wrought iron regularly with a soft brush and dry it thoroughly with a towel. Low-grit sandpaper can help address rusty spots on fences, balconies and even door hinges. If a corroded hinge pin has caused an old door to become stuck, a 15-minute application of penetrating oil can disintegrate the decay. Occasionally, apply a lubricant to prevent future rusting or a rust-resistant coating to protect outdoor ironworks. 4. Improperly Ventilating the Home The temperature is rising in New Orleans. By mid-June 2024, the city had surpassed record-high temperatures four times, with one day even reaching 97˚ Fahrenheit. This is in addition to seven heat-related deaths from April to June in 2024. You may need to invest in adequate ventilation if you've moved into an old NOLA house. Otherwise, you could experience HVAC problems and mold and mildew growth, posing significant respiratory health problems for household members. 5. Cutting Down Trees Without Permission New Orleans has strict ordinances regarding tree-cutting on private property. For instance, live oaks are a protected species throughout the city. Unless it's within 15 feet of a home, residents of Jefferson Parish cannot remove mature trees, including magnolias and sycamores. If you do remove trees from your property without a permit, you could face hefty fines and need to replant one of the same size in your yard. These rules are in place to preserve and rebuild NOLA's tree canopy.   6. Forgetting Hurricane Shutters It's hard to imagine a city as beautiful as New Orleans in the line of hurricanes. Sadly, major weather events have intensified in recent years in the Gulf Coast. Installing hurricane shutters can protect your windows and belongings from damaging wind and downpours during the rainy season. On average, homeowners spend $3,675 on shutters, but the cost might range from $1,505 to $5,893. Ultimately, it depends on how many windows you have, the type you purchase — accordion, Bahama, colonial or motorized, among others — and labor fees. 7. Landscaping Close to the House Homeowners should exercise caution when sprucing up their property's landscaping. Adding trees and shrubbery too close to the house's foundation could cause moisture buildup and structural damage. The excess dampness can attract pests and termites, which happily feed on rotting wood. It might also pose a fire hazard — drought or a lightning strike could ignite the plants, causing a severe house fire. Select plants carefully and avoid overdoing the garden beds with greenery. You might choose to hardscape some of the yard or include native plants already adapted to the climate. Make Wise Upgrades to Your NOLA Home Living in New Orleans is many people's dream, and you'll enjoy everything the city offers. While upgrading a house requires a different approach than residing elsewhere, the result is a safe, sturdy and comfortable home you'll love for years. *Written by Rose Morrison of renovated.com

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Moving To New Orleans: What You Need To Know About Local Culture

Welcome to New Orleans! Known for its rich culture and warm community, settling here is thrilling and demanding. But we’re here to ease your transition by highlighting the essentials for newcomers. Moving to New Orleans involves embracing its diverse cultural experiences—from music and food to local festivities. The city's rhythms, from its unique neighborhoods to engaging with community events, are all worthwhile. So, immerse yourself in everything New Orleans offers, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable start to your new life in this distinctive place. Navigating Your Move Planning your relocation, particularly from a completely different area, like the Sunshine State, means understanding the logistics involved. We’re talking about vastly different environments and legislations, so having the proper grasp on them might be too much without some outside assistance. So, when moving here from Florida, hiring interstate movers is the best solution. Select a company experienced in navigating the challenges of long-distance transportation. Getting expert help when moving to Louisiana can streamline this transition significantly. Additionally, it's important to discuss timelines and packing strategies with your movers to guarantee that your belongings are packed, transported and delivered efficiently and safely. Addressing these details upfront will help mitigate any potential setbacks during your relocation process. Overall, selecting the proper help will ensure you start your New Orleans experience on a positive note. The Heartbeat of the City: Music and Festivals New Orleans thrives on its musical roots and festive spirit. It’s synonymous with jazz, but its musical landscape extends far beyond. Local bars, streets, and venues pulse with blues, funk, and more. Engage with the scene by visiting famed spots like Preservation Hall or the Maple Leaf Bar. Each venue offers a unique atmosphere and showcases local talent nearly every night of the week. From the world-famous Mardi Gras to the soul-soothing Jazz Fest, New Orleans hosts festivals that draw global audiences and celebrate diverse traditions. Participating in these events can help you connect with the community and experience the city's full cultural richness as a newcomer. Each festival has its own history and customs, such as the colorful parades of Mardi Gras or the food stalls of the Po-Boy Festival. Attending these can offer a deeper appreciation of the city's heritage. Getting involved in local festivals involves understanding and respecting the customs behind them. For instance, dressing up for Mardi Gras or sharing food during the Jazz Fest is common. Engaging respectfully with these traditions allows for a more authentic and enjoyable experience and helps build lasting connections with residents. Cuisine: More Than Just Food Moving to New Orleans means experiencing a cuisine that reflects its history and cultural diversity, making dining here a significant aspect of local life. If you’re coming here from Florida, bear in mind that the food here draws heavily from French, African, and Spanish traditions. The fusion creates unique dishes such as gumbo, a rich stew with a thick roux base, and jambalaya, a hearty rice dish mixed with meat, seafood, and vegetables. Sampling these dishes provides insight into the city's multicultural roots. For newcomers, it's essential to try: Gumbo: Often featuring shrimp, sausage, and okra. Jambalaya: Known for its bold flavors and satisfying mix of ingredients. Beignets: These French-style doughnuts dusted with sugar are a sweet treat not to be missed. Eating out in New Orleans is both an opportunity to engage with locals and a good way to explore unique and popular spots. But you should follow a few tips: Tip generously, as it reflects an appreciation for service. Be open to recommendations from locals; they know where to find the best meals. Enjoy meals slowly to appreciate the flavors and the company. Art and Architecture: A Visual Journey New Orleans' visual landscape tells the story of its historical and cultural depth through art and architecture. The Big Easy houses a variety of architectural styles, reflecting its rich history. The French Quarter, known for its Spanish colonial architecture, contrasts sharply with the Creole cottages in the Marigny neighborhood. Walking through the city, you'll see antebellum mansions alongside modern homes, showing a timeline of design that spans centuries. Here’s just a tiny sample of what it has to offer: Street Art: The vibrant street art scene can be seen in areas like Bywater, where murals reflect the city's current social and cultural climate. Galleries: Visit galleries in the Arts District, which is home to contemporary and classic works. St. Louis Cathedral: A prime example of French architecture with a stunning interior. Preservation Hall: Not just a music venue, but a testament to historic preservation.  Community Spirit and Social Etiquette when Moving to New Orleans Understanding and embracing community spirit and social etiquette is crucial for integrating smoothly into life in New Orleans. Here, the sense of community is strong. Residents actively participate in local activities, enhancing the city’s vibrant culture. Engaging in neighborhood initiatives, volunteering at festivals, or joining local clubs can help you form lasting relationships and contribute to the community’s vibrancy. Additionally, in The Big Easy, interactions are warm, and small acts of kindness are the norm. A friendly greeting to a neighbor, offering a hand without being asked, or simply sharing a meal can enrich your connections and help you adjust to the communal lifestyle here. Above all, engaging in local traditions such as second-line parades or neighborhood potlucks connects you to the heart of New Orleans culture.  As you settle into your new life after moving to New Orleans, embracing the local culture is key. From the lively music and festivals to the distinctive cuisine and communal spirit, each aspect offers a chance to connect with the city's heritage and residents. Dive into these experiences with an open mind and respect for traditions. By doing so, you'll find that New Orleans becomes a place where you live and is part of who you are. Welcome home, and enjoy every moment of your adventure in this unique city. *This post was written by a Guest Author.

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