For most Australian families, the idea of tackling a messy home renovation<\/a> with young kids living in the house sounds like a nightmare, but it can be done with minimal stress.<\/strong><\/p>\n According to one expert, surviving a renovation with a young family comes down to planning and patience.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cMake sure the child or children have a \u2018safe haven\u2019 in among the chaos,\u201d Morrissey says.<\/p>\n Do this by leaving one room until last.<\/p>\n \u201cLet 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,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n \u201cMake sure the child or children have a \u2018safe haven\u2019 in among the chaos.\u201d Picture: Kate Hunter<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Where kids sleep during a renovation is an important consideration, Morrissey says.<\/p>\n \u201cMake 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,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cMake sure to still spend time with them,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a tough gig being a parent or a child and when you add renovations onto that, it can, if you don\u2019t set yourself up for success, cause a lot of stress in your relationships,\u201d Morrissey says.<\/p>\n Ensure you spend quality family time with the kids during the renovation. Picture: Getty<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Including children in the decision-making process is another proven secret to success.<\/p>\n \u201cIf it\u2019s their room that\u2019s being re-modelled, bring them into the design process. They\u2019ll feel like they have had a part in the renovation and have a room to be proud of,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n
\n <\/p><\/div>\n Realestate au <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A safe haven<\/h2>\n
![\"Little](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.realestate.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/25133659\/Kids-room-Avondale-Heights-2000x1500.jpg?resize=2000%2C1500&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nSleep sanctuary<\/h2>\n
Quality time<\/h2>\n
![\"quality](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.realestate.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/18001249\/quality-family-time_2000x1500.jpg?resize=2000%2C1500&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nGive kids a say<\/h2>\n