What It’s Actually Like to Live in a House While It’s Being Remodeled

The tiny person in this photo is now about to get her learner's permit — and she's seen more of the inside of a house than most kids ever will.

While chaotic and stressful, living through remodels with kids underfoot has been part of my everyday life at multiple stages of motherhood. We've lived without kitchens, with half-walls open, with tools tucked into corners and plastic hanging where doors used to be.

There are things that helped me get through the constant change in routines, temporary setups, letting go of perfection - and there are also things you just get used to so the work can move forward.

As a homeowner, it's uncomfortable.

As a parent, it's exhausting.

And as a builder, it's familiar.

Over time, you learn where to draw the line between protecting your sanity and letting the project actually get finished. That balance doesn't come from Pinterest plans or timelines it comes from living it sitting with the process and getting excited for your new space.

My favorite tradition is letting the kids paint whatever the heck they want on the walls before they go down and enjoy their art for a few days. It kind of hurts a little to actually knock down their beautiful artwork, but how often does a kid get to do a full mural on a wall?