Designing a Pet-Friendly Custom Home: Considerations for Pet-Friendly Home Design
As custom home builders, home trends are something we keep a pulse on. This Time article talked about how millennials are choosing to buy homes because of their pets. “Pets” was the 3rd reason listed in the survey above marriage and children. It’s true that people have various reasons for buying their first homes, which are usually to build equity or because they got married or had kids. But we all love our pets! And if you are designing your home you might be interested in how to make your house pet-friendly.
Let's delve into this movement and explore how you can design a home that caters not only to your needs but also to the needs of your cherished pets.
Pet Considerations for Custom Homes
Pet-Friendly Flooring
Choosing the kind of flooring that you want and need for your pet is important. If your pet is trained or will be trained, you are fine to go with carpet. But if you think this will be a problem you can choose a stain resistant hardwood floor or stain resistant carpet.
When furnishing your backyard, consider pet-friendly outdoor furniture to keep your home, yard, and pet happy!
Backyard and Outdoor Access
Buying a lot with enough backyard will make your furry friend happy is a helpful thing to have in mind when navigating lots! With indoor/outdoor access for pets, considering custom dog doors and/or pet entrances and exits can give your pets the freedom they crave. Giving your furry friend the ability to go out into the backyard at any moment will make him/her happy and will prevent accidents.
Worried about aesthetic? But we can also add doors that don’t clash with the style of your home. You don’t have to sacrifice style for your pet’s comfort.
In-Home Pet Cleaning Station
One trend that has been on the rise along with custom mud rooms is incorporating a custom pet cleaning station in the home. Giving yourself the space to get your pet clean inside is a game-changer for many families with pet-friendly homes. This generally includes a pet washing station with a shower and a flexible shower-head, tile accents, grooming tool storage, and sometimes a seating area for yourself to stay comfortable.
Fun Custom Home Additions for Your Pet
Pet Rooms
When designing your home, set aside a little bit of space for your pet. Consider building a mudroom or mudroom-adjacent room where you can put his toys and a dog shower. Your pet might not fully appreciate it as much as the backyard, but you will! Crafting a designated pet room within your custom-built home is a testament to prioritizing the happiness and comfort of your four-legged family members.
This specialized space allows pets to have a retreat tailored to their needs, complete with toys, cozy beds, and perhaps a grooming station. Beyond mere functionality, a pet room adds an extra layer of harmony to your home, ensuring that both you and your pets can coexist seamlessly within a space designed with their well-being in mind.
Another Option: Customized Pet Crate Installations
Just as each family member deserves a designated space, your pets should have their own haven too. If a full pet room is not on the table, we can explore innovative crate designs that seamlessly blend with your home's aesthetics while providing a safe and comfortable retreat for your furry friends.
Pet Feeding Stations
In your kitchen or garage (or both) we can design built-in feeding areas in the drawers. This will keep the mess contained, and will mean less cleaning up for you! These thoughtfully designed feeding areas, seamlessly incorporated into your kitchen or designated pet space, not only minimize mess but also provide a dedicated, organized space for nourishing your pets.
With built-in features like pull-out drawers and discreet placements, a custom pet feeding station ensures that mealtime becomes a seamless and enjoyable experience for both you and your beloved pets, fostering a sense of comfort and routine within your home.
Low-Lying Windows for Pets
Incorporating low-lying windows into your custom home design isn't just about aesthetics; it's a thoughtful consideration for your pet's well-being. These strategically positioned windows offer your furry friends an opportunity to indulge in the sights and sounds of the outdoors at their eye level. Whether it's a curious cat or a playful pup, low-lying windows create a dedicated vantage point, fostering a connection with the external environment and providing enrichment for your pets. As they gaze outside, you're not just building a home; you're crafting an immersive experience that caters to the unique needs and curiosities of your beloved companions.
If you are in Fredericksburg or the Loudoun area and are thinking of designing a custom home, give us a call at 540-220-1500. We can help you design a custom home that is pet-friendly as well as luxurious and beautiful! .
