There’s no doubt that while renovating your home can be an incredibly worthwhile project to undertake, what it gives back in pleasure once work is complete, can be negated by the amount of stress caused while work is underway. Add kids to the equation, and the whole project becomes a lot more anxiety inducing.
However, it doesn’t have to be that way. With some simple forward planning, you can help the renovation go even more smoothly and keep everyone safe and happy at the same time.
Tip number one:
Renovate rooms, one at a time.
This way you can all remain in the home while work is carried out, but it still relies upon you making the rest of the home safe for your kids while the construction teams are there.
Tip number two:
Talk to your kids about the renovation
If your kids are old enough to understand, try explaining the renovation to them so that they can understand better what the plan is, and how much better their home will be when all the disruption is over. Getting them excited about the end result can help them to adjust better to the disruption, and give them something positive to look forward to.
Tip number three:
Inform your contractors
It’s always a good idea to let your general contractor know if kids will be present in the home while work is underway, and that way they can work with you to protect them from danger, or from getting in the way of their progress.
Tip number four:
Give your kids a safe space
As touched upon in tip number one, giving your kids a safe and comfortable space for them to play in and do their schoolwork while the project is ongoing, is really important, and helps to limit the disruption to their little lives. Their own space will not only keep them safe from danger, especially if construction work is being carried out, but will also help to give them a comforting zone to escape the noise and dust etc.
Tip number five
Wherever possible, stick to routines
The house might be in a state of disarray, but by sticking to your regular routines wherever possible, you can help your kids adjust to the disruption and continue to function as normal. It can also be helpful to make sure that all the heavy, noisy and dusty renovation work is carried out while the kids are at school, further limiting the amount of disruption you’re exposing them to.
Is it safe to renovate with kids in the home?
Provided you keep the above tips in mind, and always listen to your kids if they have any doubts or concerns, renovating your home with your kids in it, is absolutely doable, and in some instances, is the only option.
For the safest way to renovate with kids at home, always work with a general contractor who’s willing to accommodate your kids’ needs and who understands the importance of keeping them safe and minimizing the amount of disruption they’re exposed to.