A major home renovation can be exciting, but it can also test the patience of even the most organised household.

For families in Oxshott and across South West London, the challenge is not only what the finished home will look like. It is how the family will live while the work is happening.

A large refurbishment, extension, loft conversion or full home transformation can affect every part of daily life. Kitchens may be out of use. Bathrooms may need to be replaced. Dust, noise, deliveries and temporary access routes can all become part of the routine.

This is why the question of whether to live in or move out should be considered early. It should not be left until the builders arrive on site.

At HICL Builders, we believe a successful renovation is built on planning, communication, qualified trades and realistic scheduling. The finish matters, but the experience during the build matters too.

Home Improvements & Construction Ltd, also known as HICL Builders, is a turnkey construction company based in Kingston, New Malden and South West London. The company works with homeowners, landlords, growing families and property owners across areas including Surbiton, Wimbledon, Richmond, Teddington, Twickenham and nearby locations.

Meet The Team Behind HICL Builders

Choosing a builder is about more than construction. You are selecting a team to guide, manage, and deliver your vision with precision and care.

Andi Drishti, the owner of HICL, brings nearly two decades of hands on experience in the building industry, with a strong foundation in carpentry and structural interpretation. Clients often highlight his ability to identify practical solutions that others may overlook. Alongside him, Debra ensures smooth day to day operations, supporting clients throughout their journey with clarity and responsiveness.

Meet Andi and Debra

Together, they lead a highly skilled team of vetted professionals including builders, plumbers, NICEIC electricians, carpenters, bricklayers, roofers, plasterers, and kitchen and bathroom fitters. This integrated approach allows HICL to deliver a seamless experience without the need for multiple contractors.

Should You Live In Or Move Out During A Major Renovation

There is no single answer that works for every home.

Some families can live through a renovation if the work is carefully phased. Others are better protected by moving out for part or all of the project.

Living in may be realistic if the property can be divided into safe zones, with clear separation between the building area and the family area. It may also work if one bathroom remains usable, a temporary kitchen can be set up, and bedrooms are kept clean, warm and secure.

Moving out may be the better decision when the work involves major structural alterations, full rewiring, extensive plumbing upgrades, kitchen removal, several bathroom refurbishments or heavy work across most rooms at once.

For larger homes in Oxshott, moving out for the most disruptive stage can sometimes make the build more efficient. It gives trades better access, reduces daily interruption and can help the programme move forward without constant compromise.

As Andi Drishti, Director of HICL Builders, explains:

“The best decision is not always about staying or leaving. It is about understanding the property, the family routine and the sequence of work before the project starts.”

That early thinking can prevent many of the frustrations that homeowners often associate with building work.

Why Phasing Matters For Family Life

A major refurbishment does not only affect the rooms being changed. It affects school runs, sleep, work calls, meals, pets, parking, storage and privacy.

Good phasing allows the household to understand what will happen next. It also helps the building team organise trades, materials and inspections in a way that keeps the project moving.

A strong phasing plan should explain:

• Which areas will be worked on first

• Which rooms will remain usable

• When water, heating or electricity may be affected

• How dust and waste will be controlled

• Where materials will be stored

• How children and pets will be kept away from work areas

• Whether the family should move out for any stage

This is particularly important when a project includes several services at once. A renovation may involve builders, plumbers, NICEIC electricians, carpenters, bricklayers, roofers, plasterers, kitchen fitters, bathroom fitters and decorators.

If these trades are not coordinated properly, delays and disruption can quickly increase.

HICL Builders provides a detailed quote, contract and plan of works for major builds, helping clients understand what should happen and when. This gives homeowners confidence before the work begins and clarity during the build.

What A Well Managed Renovation Should Include

A phased renovation should never feel like disconnected jobs.

It should be planned as one complete transformation, with each stage supporting the final result.

A well managed project may include consultation, site survey, structural review, design coordination, compliance checks where required, detailed specification, strip out, structural work, plumbing, electrical upgrades, heating improvements, insulation, kitchen and bathroom installation, plastering, flooring, decorating, snagging and handover.

The value of a turnkey construction company is that the homeowner does not need to manage several separate contractors.

HICL Builders provides all the services required for a build through one trusted team. The company employs reliable skilled tradesmen, and any contractors used are thoroughly vetted and monitored to ensure they meet HICL’s standards.

This matters because quality depends on more than the final finish. It depends on sequencing, communication and accountability.

A HICL project manager explains:

“Families need to know what is happening before it affects them. Clear communication helps people plan their week, protect their routine and feel more in control of the build.”

That is especially important in family homes where the clients are not just renovating a property. They are trying to keep everyday life moving.

Practical Example: Renovating For A Growing Family

One useful example is HICL’s kitchen refurbishment for a growing family.

With a baby on the way, the HICL team created a detailed 3 week schedule to transform the home and make it more practical for family life.

The work included a full kitchen refurbishment with upgraded cabinetry, appliances and lighting. HICL also completed new flooring and plastering throughout the dining and living rooms, creating a cohesive design that connected all three spaces.

The key lesson from this project is that timing matters.

By managing trades, deliveries and inspections carefully, HICL stayed on schedule without cutting corners. For a growing family, that level of organisation is not a luxury. It is essential.

The same principle applies to larger renovations in Oxshott. Whether the project involves a major extension, a full refurbishment or a new layout, the family needs a realistic plan that protects both the build quality and the household routine.

Budgeting For A Phased Refurbishment

Phasing can affect cost in different ways.

In some cases, phasing may increase certain costs because trades return in stages, temporary protection is needed and the site must be managed around the household.

In other cases, phasing can protect the client from rushed decisions, unnecessary damage to finished areas and stress that leads to last minute changes.

Key budgeting considerations include:

• Structural work

• Kitchen and bathroom specification

• Electrical and plumbing upgrades

• Heating and insulation improvements

• Temporary works and protection

• Access and waste removal

• Flooring, glazing, joinery and finishes

• Whether the family lives in or moves out

• The number of phases required

HICL offers free, no obligation quotes, access to trade discounts where possible and a clear schedule of works for major builds. All structural work is also offered with a 5 year guarantee.

For homeowners comparing builders, it is important to ask clear questions before committing. HICL has also published useful guidance on questions to ask your builder.

Why Choose HICL Builders For A Major Renovation

HICL Builders is a family run construction company with its own family values at the centre of how it works.

That matters because most domestic construction projects take place while clients are managing real lives. Children, work, pets, neighbours and daily routines all need to be respected.

The company combines building knowledge with practical customer care. Andi Drishti has nearly 20 years of experience in the building industry, with a strong background in qualified carpentry and interpreting structural plans. Clients often comment on his ability to spot practical solutions that others may have missed.

HICL is also City and Guilds certified and has an extensive portfolio of completed refurbishments, extensions, conversions and new builds.

The company’s wider goal is to be the first choice locally and regionally when clients need domestic or commercial construction services.

For homeowners in Oxshott, Kingston, New Malden, Surbiton, Wimbledon, Richmond, Teddington and Twickenham, that means working with one team from early advice through to completion and post build support.

You can learn more about HICL Builders and its services on the HICL Builders website.

Book Your Major Renovation Consultation

If you are planning a major renovation in Oxshott, the best time to think about phasing is before work begins.

A clear plan can help you decide whether to live in, move out or use a combined approach. It can also help protect your family routine, control costs and keep the project moving with less stress.

HICL Builders can guide you through the full process with a professional, practical and family focused approach.

View our construction services page.

FAQs:

Is it better to live in or move out during a major renovation?

It depends on the scale of work, safety, access to essential rooms and the family routine. Some homes can be renovated in phases, while others are easier and safer if the household moves out for part of the project.

Can HICL Builders phase a renovation around family life?

Yes. HICL Builders can help plan the sequence of works, protect usable areas, coordinate trades and advise whether the family should stay in the home or move out during key stages.

Does phasing a refurbishment cost more?

Sometimes it can, especially if trades need to return in stages or extra protection is required. However, phasing can also reduce stress, protect finished areas and make the build easier for the household to manage.

What should I ask before choosing a builder for a major renovation?

Ask about the schedule of works, trade coordination, insurance, guarantees, communication, site management, previous projects and how disruption will be controlled during the build.

Does HICL Builders offer post build support?

Yes. HICL provides dedicated customer service before, during and after the build, helping clients deal with queries or concerns quickly and efficiently.

Get a free quote: Email office@hiclbuilders.com