Many people think of their pets as a member of their family. Instead of banishing pets to the backyard, including pets in the planning for your new custom home can ensure that you home will be comfortable for your family, and your pets. The key to accommodating your pets is to choose the right materials and design.
Here are 5 tips to help you make your custom home pet friendly;
1. Choose the Right Flooring
To create a pet-friendly home, hard surface floors will be your best bet. Durable and stain resistant, they won’t hold onto pet hair and dander and will be much easier to clean should your pet have an accident. There are many options for choosing hard surface floors, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Hardwood floors can add warmth to your home but are more prone to scratches, which will likely occur if you have dogs of any size. Tile floors on the other hand will resist scratches and stains, and also come in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and finishes. In addition to the colors and patterns available for purchase, even the way that tile is installed can add interest to a room. There are also tile options that give the look of natural wood, without the worry of it being ruined by your pet.
2. Consider Color Palettes
Depending on the breed and size of your pet, you’ll likely have to deal with shedding on some level. If you have one small dog, shedding won’t be as much of a problem. However, if your family loves animals and you have a variety of animals in your home, it can be helpful to consider the color of their fur when choosing fabrics and color patterns. In this situation, white furniture or carpets would be an easy “no”, but if you have two white cats a black couch won’t work either. Regardless of how clean you keep your house, pet hair will always be a factor. Choosing colors that will help mask the inevitable animal hair can help.
3. Find Durable Fabrics
Animals (and children for that matter) can be tough on your home. This is why it’s important to choose fabrics that are durable and machine washable. Lacey, delicate throws look beautiful, but won’t maintain their appeal after your cat snags her claws on it a few times. The same is true of curtains, rugs, and upholstery. Don’t feel like you have to choose between a home that is stylish and one that is functional though, as there are many options available that will hold up to the wear and tear of your pets and kids.
4. Keep Pets Safe
When planning landscaping and indoor plants, it’s important to keep in mind that many plant species are poisonous to your pets. You can work with your builder to create the natural aesthetic you want indoors and out while also protecting the safety of your pet. If you want some of the plants that your pets shouldn’t have access to you can always put them in areas that your pets don’t frequent, such as the front yard. By putting non-toxic plants in the yard and home, you’ll have one less thing to worry about concerning the health of your pet.
Planning a custom home can often times be much more involved than many people expect. You’ll have to make decisions on things that you likely never imagined you’d need to. This is why it’s important to partner with an experienced and organized builder that will help guide you every step of the way. Contact Empire Custom Builders today to learn how their expertise can make the custom home building process easier for you and your family.
1. Choose the Right Flooring
To create a pet-friendly home, hard surface floors will be your best bet. Durable and stain resistant, they won’t hold onto pet hair and dander and will be much easier to clean should your pet have an accident. There are many options for choosing hard surface floors, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Hardwood floors can add warmth to your home but are more prone to scratches, which will likely occur if you have dogs of any size. Tile floors on the other hand will resist scratches and stains, and also come in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and finishes. In addition to the colors and patterns available for purchase, even the way that tile is installed can add interest to a room. There are also tile options that give the look of natural wood, without the worry of it being ruined by your pet.
2. Consider Color Palettes
Depending on the breed and size of your pet, you’ll likely have to deal with shedding on some level. If you have one small dog, shedding won’t be as much of a problem. However, if your family loves animals and you have a variety of animals in your home, it can be helpful to consider the color of their fur when choosing fabrics and color patterns. In this situation, white furniture or carpets would be an easy “no”, but if you have two white cats a black couch won’t work either. Regardless of how clean you keep your house, pet hair will always be a factor. Choosing colors that will help mask the inevitable animal hair can help.
3. Find Durable Fabrics
Animals (and children for that matter) can be tough on your home. This is why it’s important to choose fabrics that are durable and machine washable. Lacey, delicate throws look beautiful, but won’t maintain their appeal after your cat snags her claws on it a few times. The same is true of curtains, rugs, and upholstery. Don’t feel like you have to choose between a home that is stylish and one that is functional though, as there are many options available that will hold up to the wear and tear of your pets and kids.
4. Keep Pets Safe
When planning landscaping and indoor plants, it’s important to keep in mind that many plant species are poisonous to your pets. You can work with your builder to create the natural aesthetic you want indoors and out while also protecting the safety of your pet. If you want some of the plants that your pets shouldn’t have access to you can always put them in areas that your pets don’t frequent, such as the front yard. By putting non-toxic plants in the yard and home, you’ll have one less thing to worry about concerning the health of your pet.
Planning a custom home can often times be much more involved than many people expect. You’ll have to make decisions on things that you likely never imagined you’d need to. This is why it’s important to partner with an experienced and organized builder that will help guide you every step of the way. Contact Empire Custom Builders today to learn how their expertise can make the custom home building process easier for you and your family.
