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Why is it sensible to live in a home for a few months before starting major renovation work?

On day one in a new home, it’s tempting to redesign everything based on first impressions. But living in the space for a while teaches you things no floor plan can.

You learn where light actually falls through the day, which corners you naturally use, which doorways feel cramped, and what really bothers you versus what you can live with. Maybe that wall you thought you wanted to knock down is the one that makes the bedroom feel cosy. Or perhaps the “must-change” kitchen layout actually works better than you expected.

Daily routines reveal practical issues: where bags pile up, where laundry gets stuck, where you wish there was a plug or a shelf. If you jump straight into major work, you risk spending a lot of money solving the wrong problems.

Giving yourself a few months is like doing a test drive before you modify the car. You’re renovating based on real habits, not just ideas.

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