Are you a pet lover?  From dogs to cats, and from rabbits to birds, all of our pets are important and members of the family.  So, when you’re building a home, you’ll want to be conscientious of how your pets are going to navigate the space.  This is an important step in making sure your entire family is happy with your custom home design.  Though our pets can’t approve of the floorplan, they’re still going to share your home with you.  So, here’s how you can build a custom home that is pet friendly.

What does your pet need?

 

Different pets need different things.  For instance, larger dogs need plenty of yard space and wider rooms, without running into furniture, and small dogs shouldn’t be able to get stuck in small spaces.  Cats are clever in the way they access things–can your cat open doors?  Leap high onto counters?  Consider this when planning your kitchen and other areas where they shouldn’t be exploring, such as laundry rooms.  Rabbits also need a hefty amount of space to feel comfortable, so planning for a larger space in your floorplan can accommodate them nicely.  All of your decisions truly depend on which pet you own, and their behaviors.

 

Tidying Up

 

You should also keep in mind the kinds of messes your pet might leave behind.  This should help you to make floor material decisions–messier pets don’t mesh well with carpets.  Do you have a pet that sheds?  Keep this in mind when furnishing, and ensure that they will enjoy the furniture as much as you’ll enjoy less use of the lint roller.  It’s always a good idea to plan for an area where dogs can wipe their paws after running freely in the mud.  A small mudroom is perfect for this, and you can make sure they aren’t tracking dirt into your home.  Adding a pet washing station is a great idea, too, so they can be completely rinsed–this can also be incorporated into the back or side porch.  When there’s less mess, there’s less frustration, and you and your pet will be able to spend more quality time with one another.  

 

If you need a pet friendly home, Robin Ford can help.

 

With over 30 years of award-winning custom home building experience, Robin Ford and his team of expert craftsmen have earned a stellar reputation for their commitment to quality. Click here to learn more about our financing options and how we can help you find a home within your budget.

 

As an Indoor airPLUS Partner, ENERGY STAR® Partner, Certified Green Professional, and Maryland’s only proud member of the exclusive Southern Living Custom Builder Program –Robin Ford Building and Remodeling, Inc. is equipped to build you a home that your children’s children will want to own.

 

Call 410-239-8850 or contact us here to start experiencing The Robin Ford Difference today. You can also connect with us on Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, and LinkedIn.