Planning a home renovation takes time and work, there’s no doubt about that. It also takes thought about where and how your family will function when walls are torn down, appliances are being moved, and there are builders, painters, or plumbers moving about freely. While you’re making plans for the people in your family, don’t forget about your pets!
If you have a cantankerous canine, for example, think about how he or she will react when there are strangers coming and going every day. Or, perhaps your fluffy feline likes to sleep away the day on the couch – but that’s right in the middle of the room you’re renovating. Advance planning can keep your pets safe during a remodel, prevent them from getting injured or being unhappy, and give you less to worry about when demo day comes.
6 Factors to Consider to Keep Your Pets Safe During a Remodel
While you’re still in the planning stage for your home renovation project, here are some important things to consider:
1. Where in your home will your pet be able to go to stay safe and out of the way?
From painters and electricians to plumbers and master builders, you’re about to have a variety of new people going in and out of your home every day. And, depending on the size and scope of your remodel, this could go on for days, weeks, or even months.
Just like you may look forward to retiring to your bedroom or spa-like bathroom at the end of a hard day, your pet will need someplace to go to get away from it all. Ideally, find a place where you can close the door to give your pet some privacy but also a welcome reprieve from the increased noise that home remodels often bring. A safe haven will keep them from becoming overstimulated and also keep them out of the way of the contractors doing the job.
2. How will the renovation schedule affect your pet?
Obviously, there will be some days during the renovation that will be louder or dustier than others. There will be days that materials or appliances arrive when there will be a significant amount of traffic in and out of the house. And, there may even be days when your backyard gets transformed into a makeshift workshop where contractors can measure and cut trim, countertop, or other materials.
If you have an indoor/outdoor pet, these are all important factors to consider. If your dog normally spends the afternoon inside your enclosed backyard, for example, this won’t be a good fit for days when that space is utilized or heavily trafficked by contractors. To keep your pets safe during the remodel, you could consider taking them to the neighbor’s or a friend’s house on certain days.
3. Are there chemicals or noises that could harm your pet?
Let’s face it – home remodeling is not a quiet job. From drills and hammers to nail guns and saws, there are plenty of tools used that create a good deal of noise. While you may escape the noise because you’re at work and the contractors can use hearing protection, your pet doesn’t have a defense against noise. In addition to finding a safe haven for your pet, consider whether or not you actually need to remove him or her from the property on especially noisy days.
Home renovation projects can also involve the use of several different chemicals, including paint and stain, just to name a few. Will the fumes from these chemicals be bothersome to your pet? Or, will construction dust be a problem? It is for some animals, such as birds, so take this into consideration when you think about where your pet will be during the remodel.
4. Is there a way you can keep your pet’s routine consistent during the remodel?
Most pets are just like people – they’re creatures of habit! Just like you may enjoy sipping on a freshly brewed cup of coffee to start each morning, your pet probably has a special routine, too.
Whenever possible, try to keep that routine the same, even while the house is being torn apart and there are other people around. If your dog is accustomed to eating first thing in the morning and then going for a walk, for example, keep it going! The more things you can keep consistent, the less the differences, such as more noise and people, will affect your pet.
5. What needs to be picked up in order to keep your pets safe during a remodel?
When the work crew is gone for the day, it may not be necessary to keep your pet locked up in their safe room. However, it doesn’t hurt to take a quick walk through the house to make sure there isn’t some leftover debris that could harm your pet. Things like nails, screws, or other sharp objects could easily have dropped to the floor but would be harmful if swallowed.
6. Is boarding your pet an option you need to take seriously?
Obviously, most pets are happiest when they can stay at home around the people they love. Some renovation projects, such as a whole house remodel, for example, simply may not be conducive to everyone staying home while the renovation takes place. To keep your pets safe during a remodel, you may need to consider boarding them or having friends or family keep them at their place for a short time.
Start Planning Your Orange County Remodeling Project Today!
Now that you have a plan to keep your pets safe during your remodel, it’s time to get into action! At Sea Pointe Design & Remodel, our design-build team can not only help you imagine your ideal kitchen, bathroom, or whole house remodel, but actually make it come to fruition with top-quality materials and master craftsmanship.
If you’re ready to start planning your remodel today, give us a call at (949) 861-3400 or fill out the form below to schedule your complimentary design consultation.