Practical advice for coping with building work?

[NeatFreak]

We are in the middle of an extension, which takes up the whole of one side and the rear of our house. It is almost watertight (windows and roof to be completed this week) then the knocking through will begin.

So far we have emptied two bedrooms and put two dc in one that won't be affected and put a load of junk into storage. However, my biggest worry is the kitchen as they will be taking it out this week and we won't have another for 6-8 weeks minimum. We can keep the fridge and possibly the oven for the next week or two and I have no idea how to cope! I've put essentials into plastic lidded boxes to protect from dust and everything else into storage but I wondered if it was worthwhile buying some folding tables to store stuff on or prepAre what little food we can.
Any tips on how to cope with no washing machine, cooker, sink etc would be much appreciated. (I'm nearly 8 months pregnant so convenience is vital, don't mention our impeccable timing!)

Also, if anyone has any ideas on how to cope with general dust and the really annoying cavity wall insulation balls that go EVERYWHERE I would be so grateful... TIA

[HoneyStepMummy]

Get paper plates, plastic cups and utensils. This will help a lot. Plan on getting takeaways or eating out, or making simple meals. Can you get some type of plug in hotplate? Do you have a microwave? You still have a bathroom with a sink, right? And a kettle? Could you put a little table outside the bathroom so you can wash dishes, fill up kettle etc easily?
Maybe you could do you laundry at a friend's house? If not most laundrettes aren't too bad.
Make sure you put opened boxes of baking soda into the fridge once it's unplugged, otherwise it will start to smell bad (even if it's empty and clean).

[wendybird77]

Put everything you can in storage or sealed boxes - the dust gets everywhere and cleaning all of your belongings adds so much work when you just want to put your house back together. Treat it like camping - literally just the essentials including very few and easy to wash and dry clothes. Seriously can you move out for a few weeks? I've just been through major building works with young kids and I wouldn't do it again - and we weren't in the house for the knocking through. You literally won't be able to breath in there.

[NeatFreak]

Thanks, I hadn't hought of paper plates etc so will definitely be doing that during the messy bits. We will still have a bathroom upstairs and downstairs loo for a while and our bedroom/dining room/ living room won't be too badly affected but I'm still expecting it to be messy and disruptive!

[Agnesmum]

I had a similar extension done 2 years ago. It was very disruptive, dusty and inconvenient but I now have a beautiful big kitchen, lovely new bedroom and a conservatory. Just keep thinking about how pleased you will be with the end result. Good luck.

[Jacaqueen]

Just about to go through the same. Paper plates etc are a brilliant idea so thanks for that.

I intend to 'camp out' in the sitting room. I will move the fridge freezer, microwave, kettle, toaster etc into there. If the weather is ok we will use the BBQ outside. I have a bathroom next to the sitting room so will get water and do dishes in there. Setting up a little table in the hall is also a great idea.

I have bought loads of plastic lidded boxes to pack away all non essential items. These can be stored in the garage. I am also going to be making good use of the various skips and give the house a good clear out. Maybe do a couple of car boot sales too.

I am going to give myself a break and try to avoid a nervous breakdown by lowering my laundering and cleaning standards and getting well acquainted with all the local takeaways. My children are 15 and 8 and will probably love it. I also think my alcohol consumption may rise during this period.

I have also found a couple of cleaning companies that offer a post building/renovation domestic cleaning service. I don't care how much they charge I will be getting them in once the dust has settled.

[NeatFreak]

Thanks.
I'm sure it will all be worth it when it's finished! We demolished the garage to create living space and the shed is crammed full so there's very little storage space left. I'm going to work out what I can cook in the microwave and also have a gas BBQ so can use that when the scaffolding comes down. My dc are 8 and 5 and 3rd is due in a few weeks so all high maintenance!

We've also taken the opportunity to have a massive clear out and think the local charity shop could run on our donations for several months. It feels good looking at clear cupboards and drawers and will make it easier when it's finished. I'd love to move out for a while but that's sadly not an option.