Written by Larry Abbott, Abbott Contracting
Remodeling your home can be stressful for humans – can you imagine what your pet will go through? Their whole world and routine is disrupted from all of the commotion. In order to help your pet remain happy and safe during a renovation it is recommended to have a conversation with your contractor and his team. They will be able to let you know if they will be working with any hazardous materials or dangerous equipment.
There are many hazards that your pet can encounter during a renovation. There may be noxious fumes, sharp tools and escape opportunities. Pets have sensitive lungs so dust should be kept to a minimum. For pet safety the ideal solution would be to remove your pet from the home when remodeling. However, it may be more practical to create a pet safe room and keep the door closed or get a quality safety gate.
In anticipation of your remodel, consider microchipping your pet in case in it escapes. To further prepare your pet for the stress of remodeling, visit the vet for a checkup to make sure there aren’t any illnesses that will be aggravated during the renovation.
Remodeling is about relationships as much as it is about home improvement, and your pets are an important part of the relationship. Please be sure to have conversations with any workman that come into your home about the safety of your pets, and when possible, keep your pets out of any work zones.
Design options to make your furry friend feel at home.
Why not remodel some areas that both help make life better for your pets and make it easier for you to care for them? When remodeling, incorporate durable and easy to clean surfaces into your design. Laminates, rubber flooring and linoleum resist scratching and are great to have in case your pet has an accident. If you bathe your pet, consider adding a mudroom to your remodeling list and include a laundry sink or a dog shower. Paint with a washable paint in case walls gets splashed.
In the kitchen you can incorporate your pet’s feeding station in a toe kick area built into the cabinetry or in a nook cut out under the cabinet. Custom built-in cabinets can have a place for your cat to take a nap or a pull out drawer with a dog bed.
A little planning ahead of time can go a long way to help keep your pet safe and happy during a remodel. Once the remodel is complete, your pet may even be surprised to find some unique design features created just for him.
