Remodeling your home is one of the best things you can do for your investment and everyday life. What most homeowners don’t consider is what their pets and children do during the remodeling process. Planning makes a big difference in keeping everyone safe, calm, and comfortable during a kitchen or bathroom remodel. Our designers at O’Hanlon Kitchen & Bath have put together a simple list of things to consider before remodeling with kids and pets at home.
Create a Safe Zone for Kids & Pets
The first rule of family remodel safety is keeping the little ones and furry friends out of harm’s way. Remodeling work areas can be hazardous due to tools, electrical cords, sharp materials, and more. Before construction begins, designate a “safe zone” in your home that is off-limits for contractors.
For kids, set up a room that has their favorite toys, books, and activities to keep them occupied while the contractors work their magic. For pets, find a cozy space with familiar bedding, water, and food. If the noise or disruption becomes too much, consider finding a short-term arrangement to stay with a friend or at their grandparents.
Communicate Clearly with Your Contractor
When remodeling with kids and pets, communicating with your contractor is key. You will want to let them know that your family will be home, as well as work schedules, entry points, and safety barriers. Many professional contractors are used to working around your schedule and your boundaries to keep everyone safe. It’s also essential to ask your contractor about project phases, daily cleanup routines, and how they plan to secure tools and hazardous equipment.
Time Your Remodel Strategically
Plan your remodel during seasons or times when your family can be outdoors or away from home. Consider scheduling during summer vacations, school breaks, or during daycare, so your kids are away for most of the construction day.
For pet owners, consider timing noisy or messy phases of the remodel during daily walk hours or daycare days. Or consider finding them another home or doggie daycare to visit during construction hours. A little planning will help reduce stress for both you and your pet.
Focus on Air Quality and Cleanliness
Renovation dust is a significant concern for family safety during remodels. Even with the proper barriers, dust particles can find their way into living spaces and irritate allergies or asthma. To minimize this risk, look for contractors who use air filters, negative air machines, or seal-off work areas. You can also keep windows open or use portable air purifiers to keep everyone safe. After the project is complete, consider a deep clean to ensure all dust is gone.
Rethink Your Daily Routines
A remodel will temporarily change how your home functions, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. Plan how you will cook meals, do homework, and handle pet care. For kitchen remodels, set up a mini kitchen in another room with transportable appliances like a toaster oven, microwave, or slow cooker. For bathroom remodels, create a schedule to effectively share the remaining bathroom(s). Making minor adjustments will keep your family’s routine running smoothly during the remodel.
Involve Your Kids in the Process
There is no harm in involving your kids in the remodeling process; it can even make the process easier. Let them pick paint colors, cabinet knobs, or decor items for the final touches. When kids are involved in the remodeling process, they are more likely to be excited instead of anxious about the significant change. Your remodel can even be an educational experience for them, helping them learn what the contractors are doing, why wearing safety gear is essential, and how the home improvements will benefit everyone.
Schedule Your Remodel Today!
We will admit remodeling with kids and pets at home is not easy. It takes extra thought, but with preparations and communication, it can be rewarding and exciting for everyone. By focusing on family remodel safety, you make the remodeling journey smoother and fun.
At O’Hanlon Kitchen & Bath, we adjust to your family’s everyday routine. We communicate with you when noisier construction may begin and when it is safe to start moving back into the space slowly. Every kitchen and bathroom remodel is completed with care and respect for those still residing in the home, including pets.
Schedule a FREE consultation today to learn more about bringing your dream kitchen or bath to life.
