Should I stay or should I go

Our approval process took closer to five months and was really slowed down when the building deemed that construction permits were needed. The building architect had to look at the plans twice (original and amended) and each time he sat on them for two or three weeks. Granted, some of this happened in August when things are really slow. Just be aware of what you are getting into and try to get as much information as possible about timeframes.. Even then, expect it to take longer. For a month I wouldn't bother moving in. For two or more, it might be worthwhile. We were also trying figure out alternative accommodation but, thankfully, held off which was just as well as nothing happened as planned.

A few thoughts:

Like @KAS61 says, there's no end to the delays that the building management, architect, etc can cause. In particular, 2 months is by no means an upper bound, so you might be better living there while and until everything is finalized.

Secondly, living in the space gives you a bit more appreciation and insight into problems and fixes. While I was aware of the obvious large items that needed renovation before I closed (bathroom), there were other things that only became apparent upon living here (e.g., floors really need replacing, not refinishing. heating / air-conditioning setup is suboptimal, needs some work, not just a new cover.)

As long as you have a place to stay during the renovation it is fine to stay.

If you are single guy with no much requirements than a place to sleep (sometimes willing to shower at the gym), you can stay during reno. It will be dusty and inconvenience.

Thank you all for your comments. It's all very helpful I just needed a bit of a slap of reality.

@bryant you sound like one of the architects i was going to hire. She said that it might be a good idea to stay there so I can get a feel for the place!

@300 I am a single guy. I dunno about staying in the apartment during a gut reno. I would def be down for the adventure but everything I'm reading says it will slow things down. Now you've got me thinking though!

Ok, it looks like I'll be camping out in my home until my plans get approved! I'll save $$ and put it towards my fixtures!
-SS

Renovation camping is a great example of Type 2 fun.

We are actually now living through a partial reno - every thing but the floors and the bathroom. It hasn't been as bad as I anticipated in terms of dirt and dust, but it is tough living without a functioning kitchen. Our contractors are obviously used to working around resident owners and do a great job of cleaning up at the end of every day. It is dragging on a bit now and I am hoping it will all be finished in the next two weeks or so. The hardest part has been having three dogs who bark when strangers enter the apartment. We have spent a small fortune on dog-sitting to get them out and away during the day.

Really? People camp out during renovations? I would SO do that as I'm single and very low maintenance

I just thought staying during a renovation was like breaking the #1 Commandment of Thou Shall Not Stay While Gut Renovating.

I'd save a load of money if I stayed.Very tempting.
It's a gut renovation, though. I'll ask my architect and see his reaction.

@Kas I hear you about the dogs. My parent is actually taking care of my dog since I sold my place. Sadly, she'll likely keep him throughout the entire renovation.

I think it depends on how much dust will be the air where you sleep. A futon is replaceable. But you can't put a price on the health of your lungs.

Get a HEPA air purifier

I had one of these running all day during reno. Below $1000. Results are amazing.

http://www.iqair.com/home-air-purifiers/healthproseries

>But you can't put a price on the health of your lungs.

Actually you can based on the asbestos and smoking settlements.

But doing a cost benefit analysis on those settlements vs. renting an apartment, I'm sure would favor the latter.

You guys are funny.
My architect sort of made a face but said I could possibly make a corner in one of the bedrooms my camp. It's a triplex so the second floor bedroom could be used.

Air filter
Number for personal injury lawyer

BTW, I am assuming you have 2 bathrooms so that they can work on one while you use the other one.

I do have 1 full bathroom and a separate powder room. The plan is to build another bathroom on the 3rd floor over the existing one.

I just closed this week and am living sparsely (futon, desk, two suitcases). I've got a long time to go before anything starts.

I wish you would all hold back from doing "gut" renovations before selling. I really want an unrenovated apartment so that I can do what I want, when I want, to my own tastes, when I can afford. And I don't want to do anything to my current apartment in order to sell, nor have a real estate agent force me to store my shabby antique furniture. What happened to imagination?

@verbascum I think you are misreading the intent of my original post. I'm actually renovating because this is my home and I plan on living there. That said, I'll be doing whatever style I want (except for shabby antique furniture...never cared for that look) :)

Hi SEasy56479 what did you decide to do? I'm in a similar situation, staying is possible but definitely not ideal.

@pw036. Well, I'm still in the approval process. However, coincidentally my mom is renovating just her master bathroom. She came down with a nasty cough. Our cleaner who we both use also is congested and says it's because of all the dust from the demo. Yikes! I might rethink it or just invest in a good air purifier and mask, haha.