major home renovations with a toddler?

We have finally decided to do some major renovations that are much needed including a gut and brand new kitchen, and an addition. I'm so worried about what to do with dd while this is all going on. Obviously I can't stay at hotels during the whole process which I have been told will take 2 months If you did major work in your home what did you do with dc? How did you keep everything clean? Did you lose your mind?

Re: major home renovations with a toddler?

I live with a contractor so needless to say there is always something going on or some project he wants to start and update

That said, right now the major construction is going on in DS's room so he's in the middle room for now and we close the door.

What about gates? I know when DH did the kitchen for a family with LO's they just stayed out of the house during the day or played upstairs.

Hopefully it won't be so bad and usually the worst is the demolition. Then it gets neater from there.

Re: major home renovations with a toddler?

My husband, too, is a contractor. Our house has been under construction since we bought it 2 years ago, and I imagine it will still be by the time our mortgage is paid off. Just tell the contractor to put up plastic and seal off the "work-zones" in the house. It won't be 100%, but that will help contain most of the dust. I'm just thinking about what you'll do for meals----I guess u can put a microwave and/ or hot plate in another room?

Re: major home renovations with a toddler?

We had major renovations done and we stayed with ILs during them. It took about 2 months.

Re: major home renovations with a toddler?

About one month before DS's 2nd birthday, we ripped the roof off our house and added another level. It was a huge mess - I would not recommend living in your home during construction if it's going to be something major. That being said, we did live here and it wasn't easy. Luckily, DS's room was not near the work - he could nap and sleep in there no problem - we would close the door and put a towel at the bottom to keep out as much dust as possible. During the day, we tried to stay in areas where they weren't working and we had the plastic sheeting up to keep the dust to a minimum (but be prepared - it gets everywhere anyway).

I think a lot depends on where your DC normally spends their time in relation to where the work is being done. If you can block it off it's not too bad. It is noisy though. My DS loved the whole process - it was very interesting to him.