If you have kids and pets, you know how important it is to have a comfortable and safe home. Your home should be where your family can relax and enjoy each other’s company. However, choosing the right projects can be difficult. There’s so much to think about!
There’s the need to find the contractors, get the correct permits, ensure your project is up to code, etc. You must also find a way to keep the kids and pets safe during construction!
Here are a few tips for parents and pet owners who are planning a home renovation:
Keep Your Family’s Needs in Mind
Before renovating, you need to consider what your family’s needs are. You might consider making your home more child-proof if you have young children. This could involve adding gates or railings, installing outlet covers, and removing any small objects that could be choking hazards.
If you have pets, you need to think about their needs. For example, you might want to install pet doors so your pets can come and go as they please. You might also want to create a designated area for them to use the bathroom.
And if you both have pets and kids, you need to consider how to keep everyone safe. This means creating a space that is both child and pet-friendly.
Don’t forget to talk to your kids about the upcoming renovations and involve them in decision-making where possible. This will help them feel more prepared and less anxious about the changes in their home.
Consider the Disruption
Home renovations can be disruptive. There will be noise, dust, and potential messes. If you have young children or pets, you need to consider this.
One way to minimize the disruption is to have your renovation done when your kids are out of the house, such as during summer break or winter break. If that’s not possible, you might consider sending them to stay with relatives or friends for a few weeks.
It also helps to create a designated area for your kids and pets to stay in while the renovation takes place. This could be a spare bedroom, the basement, or even the garage. Just make sure that the area is safe and clean.
Finally, it would help if you also thought about how you will keep your kids and pets entertained while the renovation is taking place. This could mean setting up a television in the designated area or providing toys and games.
Choose a Contractor You Trust
When it comes to home renovations, you must choose a trustworthy contractor. This is especially essential if you have young children or pets.
For instance, you plan on installing new wooden fences. In this case, you need to find a reliable fencing contractor who can do the job quickly and efficiently. You also need to find someone you can trust around your kids and pets.
The same goes for any other type of home renovation. Take the time to interview several contractors. Ask them about their experience, process, and policies regarding kids and pets. Make sure you feel comfortable with them before making a decision.
Getting referrals from friends or family members is also a good idea. Check their online reviews, and see what other customers say about the quality of their work. As much as possible, find one that allows you to customize your wooden fence to your liking. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your home is in good hands.
Secure Necessary Permits
Before starting any home renovation, you need to secure the necessary permits. This is crucial for the safety of your family and your pets.
For example, if you’re planning on doing any structural work like adding or removing walls, you need to get a building permit. Doing so will ensure that the work is up to code and meets all the necessary safety standards.
If you’re planning on doing any electrical or plumbing work, you need to get the proper permits. The last thing you want is to invest all this time and money into your home renovation only to have it undone because you didn’t get the proper permits.
If you’re unsure what kind of permits you need, you should consult with your contractor. They should be able to guide you through the process and help you secure the necessary licenses.
Have a Backup Plan
No matter how much planning you do, there will be instances when things won’t go as planned. And when it comes to home renovations, something could go wrong. That’s why you need to have a backup plan.
For instance, let’s say you plan on remodeling your kitchen. But during the renovation, the contractor discovers that the electrical wiring needs a replacement. This will add an extra week to the project and increase the cost.
If you don’t have a backup plan, you might have to delay your kitchen renovation until you can save more money. But with a backup plan, you can redirect the funds intended for the kitchen to pay for the electrical work. This shows that a backup plan will give you peace of mind knowing that you can still complete your home renovation even if something goes wrong.
These are just some things you need to keep in mind if you have kids or pets while renovating your home. By following these tips, you can ensure that everyone stays safe and that the project is completed on time and within budget.
