As you start the process of designing your new home, there are a myriad of decisions that need to be made – how many levels; flooring types; plumbing fixtures; garage vehicle space; cabinet styles; appliances; laundry room location; and the list goes on. You also need to consider who will be living in the home, how long you anticipate those individuals being there, whether the family unit will grow or be reduced over time, and how those who reside in the home will use the various spaces.
When developing these plans, it is also necessary for homeowners to remember their homes furry inhabitants and how best to meet their needs. According to the 2019-2020 National Pet Owners Survey from the American Pet Products Association, 67% of U.S. households (about 85 million families) own a pet, and they spent nearly $99 billion on them in 2020, ranging from food to veterinary care.
Typically, a pet’s food and water is found in the corner of the kitchen or laundry room (where the litter box for the family cat is also placed). Rather than finding a location to accommodate pets after the home is constructed, incorporate their needs into the design plans.
With that in mind, Balsitis Contracting offers suggestions on what can be done to make your pets comfortable within your new home.
Feeding
Incorporating a pet’s feeding area into the kitchen remains sensible, and not only because it is simple to fill a water dish. But where in the kitchen should this area be located? We suggest utilizing a space that provides the ability to keep the food and water bowls off the floor and allows for hiding the dishes when company comes over. Options include on either end of an island, in a large base cabinet drawer, or in a base cabinet. Utilize a base cabinet designed for a single or double waste container and swap out the open waste containers for sealed ones to store food. Using a base cabinet drawer placed just above the toe space for a food dish offers food containment and prevents spillage. If seeking a space besides the kitchen for feeding, locations include the laundry or mudroom, which allows for easy cleanup while the animals can have their own place to eat away from kitchen activity.
Flooring
It is recommended that ceramic, porcelain, or a durable finish engineered flooring be used in rooms frequented by pets, as these materials provide durability and are easily cleanable. If carpeting is used within specific rooms, it is usually best to choose a low-pile option.
Storage
Designate a space featuring hooks, drawers, and cabinets/closet with pull-out shelves for leashes, toys, food, and treats, along with a collection area for towels and pet clothing that will be washed.
Cleaning Station
Developing an area within the home for a pet cleaning station has increased in popularity over the last several years. These spaces typically include a shower stall and hand shower head adjacent to an exterior door. Consider raising the floor or including a seat to make the area ergonomically correct for you to wash your pet. A stall will enable the animal to shake off excess water, while it can be kept clean by using a squeegee or sponge to wipe it down.
Under the Stairs
Rather than walling this space off, create a cutout that provides access to a pet bed or litter box.
Clean Air
Pet dander can negatively impact a home’s air quality, so installation of an air purifier or multiple units (one in each room where pets spend the most time) can help keep your family and guests with minor allergies more comfortable, especially if you have more than one animal in the home.
Exterior Access
While usually included within a door that allows outside exit, pet doors can also be installed directly in a wall. In this situation, we would use trim to match the home’s interior and exterior and include dual flaps to deliver protection from the elements. To alleviate anxiety regarding security and keeping other animals out of the house, the flaps now being used are more robust and durable, and they can be designed to open only through a sensor on your pet’s collar. This type of door can also be installed on the interior, allowing pet access to different areas of the home to provide privacy for the animal.
As part of allowing your pets outdoor access, homeowners are encouraged to provide sufficient space for them that includes pet-friendly materials, such as pea gravel and lush grass. Consider adding a decorative fence around the property to help ensure pet safety and security.
The well-being of the people who live in the home are the main concern when building. However, with forethought and creativity, the comfort of pets can be incorporated into the design, providing your fur babies with the spaces they need to fully enjoy their new surroundings.
At Balsitis Contracting, we can create not only a home that you and your family will love, but will accommodate your pets and their needs. Call 262-203-3952, e-mail info@balsitiscontracting.com, or complete our online form to begin the process.