For most Australian families, the idea of tackling a messy home renovation with young kids living in the house sounds like a nightmare, but it can be done with minimal stress.
According to one expert, surviving a renovation with a young family comes down to planning and patience.
Cathy Morrissey, known as The Reno Chick, has done several house remodels with her own family and shares her top tips for achieving family renovation success.
A safe haven
“Make sure the child or children have a ‘safe haven’ in among the chaos,” Morrissey says.
Do this by leaving one room until last.
“Let the kids go and play with their toys and watch a bit of telly (in this room), without the mess and stress of the rest of the home,” she says.
“Make sure the child or children have a ‘safe haven’ in among the chaos.” Picture: Kate Hunter
Sleep sanctuary
Where kids sleep during a renovation is an important consideration, Morrissey says.
“Make sure their beds are set up in a quiet place. If you have a child that is sensitive, this will give them a sanctuary to retreat to when work is taking place,” she says.
Quality time
While renovating a home, juggling different trades and keeping a household running can be stressful, Morrissey recommends making sure the kids still feel prioritised during work.
“Make sure to still spend time with them,” she says.
“It’s a tough gig being a parent or a child and when you add renovations onto that, it can, if you don’t set yourself up for success, cause a lot of stress in your relationships,” Morrissey says.
Ensure you spend quality family time with the kids during the renovation. Picture: Getty
Give kids a say
Including children in the decision-making process is another proven secret to success.
“If it’s their room that’s being re-modelled, bring them into the design process. They’ll feel like they have had a part in the renovation and have a room to be proud of,” she says.
