Top 4 Tips for Building Pet Friendly Houses
When you’re moving into a custom-built home, it’s important to consider every family member for your design — including your pets. Dogs, cats and other four-legged companions have unique needs that you may be able to work around in a pre-built home, but designing from scratch provides a way to address them individually. Whether you’re moving to a large plot of land or a more limited space, you can plan a home that gets your pet’s tail wagging. Here are some of the top features to include:
Create a Wash Area
One of the biggest concerns for pet owners is having a place to wash off their furry companion. The tub works, but it can feel like a compromise since you’re sharing the same space for your own hygienic needs. With a custom build, you can incorporate a pet washing station right into the blueprints. These areas feature an extendable showerhead to ensure you clean every part of your pet. You can design the station to be big enough to hold all of your animals, as well as a person, for effortless cleaning sessions. If you’re looking for an alternative to a dedicated wash station, incorporate a large mud room into your build. This space will provide a useful transitional area following long walks with your pet.
Add Hidden Kennel and Bed Areas
If you have more than one pet, giving each one a dedicated resting area can take up a lot of space. Nobody wants to use half their living room for kennels, litter boxes or pet beds. Luckily, you can give your pet the same convenience and comfort they deserve without creating an interior eyesore by incorporating hidden rest areas. The spaces under cabinets, drawers, stairwells, reading nooks and tables can serve as the perfect place for your pet to unwind. With a small entrance that only pets can fit through, these areas give your pet a space that feels entirely their own. You might just have to suggest a walk to get the dogs out of there!
Set up Entertainment Zones
You’re not the only one who needs mental stimulation throughout the day. Pets need stimulation to stay happy, and it doesn’t take much to keep them satisfied. Simply looking out the window is a fun activity for most dogs, so install windows that they can see through at eye level or consider features like window seats. Sliding glass doors, large windows with steps leading up to the view or even a reading nook with a view can keep Fido or Kitty interested for hours.
For cats, address instinctual needs like climbing and scratching. Providing safe climbing areas, such as ledges and stairs, and scratching posts. Remember that most pets love to sun, so a skylight can be a great investment to keep your pets happy.
Get Durable Floors
Your pets don’t like being scolded any more than you like them wrecking the carpet, so get a durable floor to stop the problem before it happens. Many types of materials are easy to clean after an accident and resistant to chips and scratches. If you’re looking for a classic material that will stand the test of time, consider reclaimed wood. These types of hardwood floors have decades of densification under their belts for a hard finish that withstands. Porcelain tile, marble, cork and granite are alternative options that look great and withstand everything your pet throws at them.
Starting the Design
When you’re ready to build a pet-friendly home, our experts are here to make it happen. An important consideration for pets is your backyard, so check out our blog post “The Trendiest Spring Backyard Ideas for Your Home” to raise the quality of your outdoor space. Your pet might not be able to talk, but it would thank you if it could.