If you’re planning on adding a puppy to your family, it’s a good idea to make some home improvements. These should be done with the aim of improving your interaction with the newest member of your family and making them comfortable. The best improvements don’t have to break the bank, as they can be both affordable and effective. Read on to see some of the smartest home improvements that are also budget-friendly so you can get them done soon!
Designate a Feeding Area
Before your new puppy gets home, it’s a good idea to think about its feeding area. This is because you’ll need to feed them on a daily basis and you want them to get comfortable feeding from a certain point every time for the best results. This way, it’ll be easier for you to keep your house clean and tidy. Remember that you may want to split the amount of food you give your dog between two and three meals, depending on the feeding schedule that you’ve designed. With this in mind, it’s important to get pet-friendly feeding containers and keep them in their designated area.
Consider Replacing Your Floors
If the floor of your home is due for a remodel, it’s important to get pet-friendly flooring. While this is one of the higher-ticket home remodeling projects, it’s also one of the most valuable. Keep in mind that homeowners spend an average of between 1 and 4% of the value of a home on repairs and maintenance on an annual basis. This tends to go upwards as the house ages, meaning that for a $200,000 home, the annual repairs could cost $2,000. With that said, you need to make sure that if you’re considering an upgrade such as that of the floor, you get an option that will work well with a puppy in the house. One good option is vinyl planks, which will offer the appearance of wood floors but don’t need as much maintenance.
Get Pet-Friendly Furniture
Your home’s furniture is another aspect of the home that could benefit from being upgraded before you bring your new puppy home. The best furniture in your case is that which is hardy and easy to clean. This is going to ensure that you don’t have to keep replacing it frequently. Note that, in 2018, most homeowners spent between $5,000 and $10,000 making home improvements. You can be sure that a good amount of this went towards getting new furniture. With furniture being an important part of the home’s decor and general appearance, it’s important to make sure that if you budget to get new pieces, they’re puppy-friendly!
Install the Right Fence
Last but not least, you need to install the right fence for your home before you get a puppy. Since you’ll want to let them roam free every now and then, it’s a good idea for you to ensure they don’t wander off your property. The best fence should be tall enough that your puppy can’t jump over it and deep enough so that it can’t be dug under. Find the right material as well so that it not only withstands the weather but also lasts through anything that your new puppy may have in store for it.
If you can make these smart home improvements before you bring your new puppy home, you can be sure that you’ll have an easier time once they get home. You can have the best time with your new puppy while keeping them and your property safe so that everyone wins.
