When it comes to remodeling, some pet owners think outside the box to provide a comfortable environment for their pets. From designing indoor retreats to constructing cat highways, pet owners don’t mind spending thousands of dollars on remodeling just for the comfort of their pets.
In recent times, homeowners in America and beyond are now keeping their pets in mind when renovating the home. Whether you are remodeling the entire house or just the living room, here are some major pet-friendly trends to include in your plan.
Feeding Station
Most pet owners see their furry friends as part of the family and would want them to eat along with everyone else in the kitchen. But the kitchen is often hectic, and it is easy to knock or step over pet dishes. Also, if your pets eat carelessly, water and moist food will be littered all over your kitchen floor, a constructed feeding station is a perfect home remodeling idea to help you to keep your kitchen clean as well as ensure that your pet eats along with everyone.
Dog Washing Station
This is one of the quickest growing trends among pet owners. Fed up of hoisting their pets into laundry tubs or bathtubs, pet owners enjoy the comfort of areas designated for dog washing. Most dog washing stations resemble a shower stall, but it is half the height. Washing stations feature cold and hot water supply, a ledge for comb and shampoo and a spray nozzle. Including a dog washing station in your remodeling plan is not expensive and it will add more value to your home when you sell it to someone who owns a dog.
Built-in Beds
Gone are the days when cats sleep on cardboard and dogs sleep on crates. In today’s world, homeowners have added pet beds in cabinets, shelves, and numerous built-in features. Giving your pet its own bed to sleep will make it comfortable as well as create space in your home.
Cat Highways
If you want to bring your kitties outdoor experience into the home, a cat high way is the ideal pet-friendly remodeling trend you need to consider. By nature, cats love to jump and climb so by including perches and walkways in one or more rooms, your kitty will always stay active and you won't lose floor space.
Indoor Pet Retreats
This is a room designed for pets to have nothing but fun. It features a drinking fountain, automatic feeders, doggy shower and a lot of space to run and play.
Talk to your general contractor to help you incorporate these ideas into your remodeling plans and make you and your pet happy.
About the Author
Marsha Charles
Consistent top listing and selling agent receiving Chairman's Club award for superior sales achievement almost every year while associated with Preferred Properties, Inc. Consistently receive the International Presidents Premier award for sales volume since joining Coldwell Banker Realty and ranked in the top 1% of agents in Connecticut and Westchester County. In 2021 I received the International Society of Excellence award for sales volume in excess of $100,000,000. I have been named a Top Five Sales Agent for customer satisfaction since 2010 (longer than any other agent in Connecticut) and listed in Connecticut Magazine. Named one of the Top Agents in Connecticut by Real Trends since 2018.
I work with sellers and buyers and also have a strong understanding to needs of those who are relocating . Background and experience in advertising, public relations and photography offer creative and innovative marketing plans for sellers.
Realtor designations include: Graduate Real Estate Institute, Certified Residential Specialist, Certified Residential Marketing Specialist, and Pricing Strategy Advisor. Served as President of New Canaan Board of Realtors (two terms), Director (three terms) and currently serve on Professional Standards Committee. Named Realtor of the year by the New Canaan Board of Realtors in 1994and again in 2022.
Married and mother of other of four children who attended and graduated from the New Canaan School System, Member of New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich and Statewide MLS systems. Areas covered include New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich, Rowayton, Norwalk, Wilton and all of lower Fairfield County.
