House Extension

A lot depends on the scope of works - whether it disrupts the whole house or if it's just an add-on which is something to watch from inside.

I'm building a 2-storey extension over the driveway - it takes one bedroom out of service but the door is closed to that and everything is happening from the outside.

You could get a Lego house model that you can build with her to get her used to the process of building walls, fitting windows and building a roof so it's in parallel with the real building - something she can see and control while you point out all the fascinating things that the builders are doing outside.

The weather is getting better so you could mix up some concrete to make something with or some mortar to stick some bricks together - make it fun.     You can also get her to sign hidden parts of the construction so future people will know she was there.      Make up a time capsule to go in the foundations and one to be hidden in the roof.

Whole-house destruction will be difficult for her - maybe get some building books out so you can compare the pictures in the book to what gets exposed by the builders.     She'll need a safe space within the chaos.

Pick up some different ear defenders for her - the noise can be very difficult to deal with.      If the builders are friendly, let here see what's going on close-up so she can feel part of it all and it's less out of control for her.

Thanks Plastic. The extension we are having is basically a whole house one, taking apart and re-designing the Kitchen, conservatory, the bathroom and adding a bedroom and bathroom. We know a couple of the builders and she likes them. We've showed her pictures of what will be happening and what it will look like in the future. Unfortunately there isn't really a place she can go when this is happening apart from her bedroom. Any advice on how to keep her safe as she will experience many emotions and will want to see what is happening but it will be really loud downstairs with a dog and siblings. The last thing we want is for her to wander when this is all happening

The only thing I can suggest is make it exciting for her - get her to guess what will be done on each day - get her a camera so she can take pictures of it all - maybe make a scrapbook.

Take her along when you're choosing tiles or fittings or paint - try to think of something special for her with the end product - involve her with it so she thinks she's having input.

Depending on how she would react, get her a hard hat & hi-viz so she can inspect and judge the builder's work.

Will she be moving room at the end?   If so, there's a whole load of input she can have - under your guidance.

There's also DIY-SOS on the tv to watch - houses being pulled apart and transformed - in 1/2 hour

More excellent thoughts.  Would she like to do a video blog on the project, maybe? One blog a week or a month, depending on how long it's likely to take?

More excellent thoughts.  Would she like to do a video blog on the project, maybe? One blog a week or a month, depending on how long it's likely to take?