Quick answer for homeowners in Vancouver, West Vancouver, and North Vancouver: You can often stay home during drying and repairs if the water was clean, the affected area is small, and there are no health risks. You should temporarily move out when the damage is extensive, the water was contaminated, or demolition creates dust, noise, and strong odours that make living conditions uncomfortable or unsafe. If your policy includes Additional Living Expenses, your insurer may cover a hotel or rental during the work. If you want free guidance for your situation, call +1 604-800-3900.
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How to Decide if You Should Move Out
- Water category: clean water is lower risk, contaminated water raises health concerns.
- Size and location: small isolated areas are easier to live around than whole floor losses.
- Health and age: infants, seniors, asthma, and allergy concerns favour a temporary relocation.
- Demolition and dust: interior tear out and saw cutting create dust and disrupt daily life.
- Odour and noise: dehumidifiers, air movers, and cleaning products can be loud or smelly.
- Access to essentials: if kitchen or only bathroom is unusable, moving out is practical.
- Insurance benefits: if ALE is available, use it to reduce stress and speed the job.
When Staying Home Is Usually Safe
- Water came from a clean source and was extracted quickly.
- Damage is limited to one or two rooms and work areas can be contained.
- No strong odours and equipment can run in a closed room with doors shut.
- At least one full bathroom and the kitchen remain usable.
- No one in the home has respiratory sensitivity or a compromised immune system.
When Moving Out Is Recommended
- Water was contaminated or there is a sewage backup.
- Large areas of drywall and flooring need removal across multiple rooms.
- There is visible mold or high risk of hidden mold that requires containment.
- Drying equipment needs to run day and night in bedrooms or main living zones.
- Only bathroom or the kitchen is out of service for several days.
- Asbestos or lead hazards are present and require abatement by licensed crews.
Occupancy Options During Restoration
- Stay in place: work areas sealed with plastic and negative air, clear paths for daily use.
- Partial stay: live on the upper level while work happens on the lower level, or the reverse.
- Nights away: sleep in a hotel while equipment runs, return during the day as needed.
- Full temporary relocation: use ALE to stay in a hotel or short term rental until rebuild finishes.
Typical Restoration Timeline
- Day 0 to 1: inspection, documentation, extraction, and initial equipment setup.
- Day 1 to 4: structural drying with daily checks and selective demolition if required.
- Day 4 to 7: drying wrap up, cleanliness verification, and scope confirmation for repairs.
- Day 7 and beyond: repairs and rebuild vary by material availability and scope.
Noise, Odour, and Comfort Expectations
- Equipment noise: air movers and dehumidifiers sound like strong fans. Some people sleep fine, others prefer a hotel.
- Air movement: doors may need to stay closed and vents directed to improve airflow in the work zone.
- Odours: mild cleaning odours may be present. Strong odours suggest materials still hold moisture or contamination.
- Temperature: dehumidifiers add heat. Plan for light clothing and hydration while equipment runs.
Insurance and Additional Living Expenses
- Ask your adjuster if your policy includes Additional Living Expenses for hotel or rental and for how long.
- Document that rooms are unusable and keep receipts for lodging, meals, and laundry when eligible.
- We can prepare a claim ready estimate, moisture logs, and photo packages so approvals move faster.
Need help with your claim or a clear occupancy plan for your family Call +1 604-800-3900 for free advice.
If You Stay Home: Safety and Comfort Checklist
- Keep children and pets out of work zones and away from cords and hoses.
- Close doors to work areas and avoid moving equipment or changing settings.
- Create a clean zone for meals and sleep with a simple path to a working bathroom.
- Use earplugs or white noise at night. Plan quiet hours if possible.
- Ventilate cooking areas and keep indoor humidity near or below fifty percent.
If You Move Out: What to Prepare
- Pack essentials such as medications, chargers, work or school items, and a week of clothing.
- Remove valuables and important documents before demolition begins.
- Share your preferred contact method and allow daily access for monitoring.
- Ask for clear updates on milestones like drying complete and rebuild start.
Room by Room Guidance
| Room Type | Likely Occupancy | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom only | Stay if a spare room is available | Move to another bedroom while equipment runs |
| Kitchen | Often move out | If cooking is not possible, ALE can help with meals and lodging |
| Bathroom | Stay if there is a second bathroom | If it is the only bathroom, temporary relocation is practical |
| Living room | Partial stay | Seal work area and maintain a clean zone elsewhere |
| Basement | Often stay | Noise and odour travel less when doors remain closed |
| Whole floor or whole home | Move out | Use ALE and return when rebuild begins |
FAQs
Can I sleep in the house while equipment is running
Many people do. Some prefer a hotel due to noise or warm air from dehumidifiers. If bedrooms are in the work zone, consider nights away.
Is it safe to stay if walls are open
Yes when areas are contained, dust is controlled, and there is no contamination. Follow the technician’s guidance and keep doors closed.
How long until life feels normal again
Emergency work often takes a few days. Repairs vary by scope and material availability. Clear schedules help reduce downtime.
Will my insurer pay for a hotel
If your policy includes Additional Living Expenses and rooms are unusable, many insurers cover reasonable lodging and related costs.
What if I start to notice a musty odour
Tell your project manager. Odour can mean materials are still wet or hidden areas need attention. Adjustments can improve results.
Get a Clear Answer for Your Home
VR Plus Restoration provides fast assessments, moisture mapping, clear occupancy plans, and claim ready documentation for homes across Vancouver, West Vancouver, and North Vancouver. We guide you through each step so you can stay comfortable or relocate with confidence.
Talk to a technician now 📞 Call Now: +1 604-800-3900
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Explore our core services: Water Damage Restoration and Mold Remediation
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