Living Through a Renovation: Tips for Families With Children

For many Melbourne families, the idea of living through a renovation brings up two emotions at once: excitement… and worry.

The thought of transforming your Alphington, Fairfield, Ivanhoe, Darebin, or Plenty home is inspiring — but the idea of noise, dust, disrupted routines, and children needing stability can feel overwhelming.

The good news? It is possible to stay in your home during a renovation, and many families do it comfortably with the right planning, structure, and communication. At Dreamline Homes, we specialise in creating a renovation experience that feels smooth, predictable, and workable for families — even during major extensions or heritage restorations.

Here’s how to make the process easier for you and your children.

Can You Live in Your Home During a Renovation?

This is one of the most common questions we hear from families across Melbourne’s North-East.

In most cases — yes, you can.

The key considerations are comfort, safety, and how much of the home is affected at once.

With Dreamline Homes’ builder-led design approach, all selections are made upfront. That means we avoid unexpected delays, mid-project changes, and the budget blowouts that typically force families out of their home longer than expected. Clear timelines allow you to plan with confidence.

For major structural work (like second-storey extensions or full kitchen transformations), there may be short phases where certain rooms are temporarily inaccessible — but with proper preparation, families can usually remain safely on-site.

How to Prepare Kids for a Renovation.

Children, even older ones, thrive on predictability. A renovation changes their environment — so making them feel involved can make all the difference.

Here are simple ways to prepare them:

• Walk them through the plan. Show them drawings or concept visuals so they can imagine what’s coming.

• Talk about the exciting parts. A new bedroom, a bigger backyard connection, a more open kitchen — help them see the “after.”

• Give them small choices. A colour scheme, a light fitting, a decorative item. These little decisions help build ownership.

• Explain the noise and activity in advance. Understanding why things sound loud or different helps reduce anxiety.

Because Dreamline Homes completes all design selections before construction begins, your kids can see exactly how the new spaces will look — making the transition feel more exciting than disruptive.

Create Zones for Calm and Routine.

When you live through a renovation, boundaries are your best friend. They help create a sense of calm, structure, and safety — especially in family homes where space can be tight, such as parts of Fairfield, Ivanhoe and Alphington.

Here’s what we recommend:

1. Set up a ‘safe zone’.

A room or area completely untouched by construction — a place where kids can relax, play, read, or unwind. A place that has their familiar ideas/toys.

2. Maintain consistent sleep spaces.

Even if you have to shift beds temporarily, keep bedtime routines identical. This is especially important for younger children.

3. Create temporary solutions.

If your kitchen is offline: a simple benchtop oven, portable cooktop, and mini pantry can get you through.

If your living room is blocked: carve out a cosy corner in a quieter room.

4. Separate construction areas clearly.

Dreamline Homes ensures all work zones are securely blocked off with safety barriers, preventing access to tools, debris, or open framing.

These small adjustments keep everyday life predictable and manageable — even during the busy phases of a renovation.

Managing Noise, Dust and Builder Access.

Renovations bring energy and movement — and while this can be stimulating for kids, it’s smart to prepare for it.

Noise

Power tools, demolition, and framing work are naturally loud. If your children nap during the day or study from home, let us know — Dreamline Homes provides clear schedule updates so you can plan around louder phases.

Dust

Even with meticulous care, some dust is unavoidable. We use protective sheeting, extraction methods and sealed barriers to keep dust from travelling into living areas. Families in older homes in Darebin or Ivanhoe — particularly those with heritage features — benefit from our careful preservation and dust-control approach.

Builder Access

Site teams will need regular access, but you’ll always know who is on your property and when. Safety is non-negotiable, and all work zones remain strictly separated from family spaces.

This clarity gives families greater peace of mind and reduces the feeling of “constant disruption.”

School, Work and Daily Routines During a Renovation.

One of the biggest concerns parents share before starting a renovation is the fear that life will feel chaotic. At Dreamline Homes, we understand that your family’s routines are your anchor — and with the right planning, they don’t have to be compromised.

Because all selections are made upfront during the design and planning stage, families aren’t dealing with last-minute decisions or unexpected interruptions. Our construction zones are clearly defined and separated, meaning your main living areas remain free from trades and deliveries so daily life can continue with as little disruption as possible.

Many of our clients are pleasantly surprised by how manageable the process feels. Some families — like our recent Hurstbridge Extension clients — even take the opportunity to go on a holiday during construction, confident in the systems we have in place.

Clear communication is the foundation of this experience. Through our 24/7 Client Portal, you can track progress, view updates, and stay informed at every stage. You’ll also work with the same construction manager from start to finish, ensuring continuity and trust. Weekly updates via text or email have been especially valuable for clients with children, helping them plan around school, activities, and everyday family life.

At Dreamline Homes, we prioritise both a smooth renovation experience and a beautifully crafted final result — allowing your family to keep living life while we transform your home.

A few helpful tips:

• Plan school mornings as usual. Keep lunch prep, drop-off times, and breakfast routines identical.

• Use Dreamline Homes’ communication updates. You’ll know which days will be noisier, dustier, or require driveway clearance — so you can plan work-from-home days accordingly.

• Batch your errands. This reduces the feeling of being “stuck in the house” during active construction.

• Keep afternoons slow. After school, kids benefit from a calm space away from the activity.

Reliable communication makes all the difference — and it’s a key reason families choose Dreamline Homes over builders who leave them guessing.

Should You Move Out During a Renovation?

The answer is: it depends on your project, your children, and your comfort level. Only you can truly answer this question.

You may consider short-term accommodation if:

• Your kitchen and bathrooms will be offline at the same time.

• You have a baby or toddler sensitive to noise.

• Your children are neurodiverse and benefit from consistent sensory environments.

• The renovation affects bedrooms or sleep spaces.

• You’re doing major heritage restoration requiring extensive structural work.

Some families in Fairfield or Alphington choose nearby short-stay accommodation for the dustiest 1–2 weeks, then return home once the heavy demolition phase is complete.

If you’re unsure, Dreamline Homes will walk you through what each stage will look like — and help you make the best decision for your family setup.

Making Renovations Fun for Kids.

The renovation journey doesn’t have to be something kids “tolerate” — it can be one of the most memorable parts of family life.

Try making it a little fun:

Create a progress wall. Weekly photos or drawings of the build taking shape.

Mark milestones. Frame stage, plastering day, the first-time sunlight comes through new windows.

Give kids small ‘jobs. Holding a tape measure, choosing a plant for the new outdoor area, or picking cupboard handles.

Celebrate the finish. A movie night, pizza party, or first dinner in the new kitchen helps mark the transformation.

Often, children are fascinated by the building process — and including them helps them feel part of something exciting and meaningful.

Final Thoughts.

Living through a renovation with kids is absolutely doable — and with the right builder, it can be far easier than most families expect. With early planning, strong communication, safe boundaries, and a predictable schedule, your home can transform around you while your family’s routines stay steady.

At Dreamline Homes, we’re committed to delivering a renovation and or extension experience that feels considered, transparent, and family-friendly — so you can reimagine the home you love without the stress.

This article is part of our “Behind the Build” series, where we share practical insights to help Melbourne families reimagine the home they love.