5 Ways to Keep Pets Safe During a Remodel

As a pet owner in Northern Virginia, your furry friends are more than just pets— they’re family!

There are many steps homeowners must take to prepare for remodeling. And when it’s time for a home remodel with pets, it’s wise to factor their safety and well-being into your renovation plans.

From our years of experience remodeling with pets in the home, we recognize the unique challenges of balancing home improvements and pet care.

We’ll share our best tips for keeping your furry companions safe and stress-free while minimizing disruptions during this monumental occasion.

The Realities of Home Remodeling with Pets

It’s no surprise to you that any type of major disruption can be stressful to pets. And that includes remodeling projects.

With over 55% of Virginia households owning pets, the majority of homeowners will face this challenge at some point.

From loud noises, unfamiliar people, potential hazards, and a new layout, your home becomes a very different place during a remodel.

Identifying Potential Hazards

Ok, pet parents, let’s talk about the elephant in the room— or the hammer in the hallway, as the case may be!

Before we dive into all the ways you can keep your pets safe, let’s explore the potential risks you should be aware of.

Noise and Increased Foot Traffic: Your pet may become frightened by all the additional and unfamiliar noises, from new people to construction sounds.
Escape Risks: Open doors and windows leave more opportunities for your pets to sneak outside.
Toxic Materials: Paints, adhesives, and cleaning products can be harmful if ingested or inhaled too much.
Physical Dangers: Nails, tools, and other bulky items can pose injury to your furry friends.

Now that we know what we may be up against let’s look at how we can make your upcoming remodel a pet-friendly adventure! 

5 Ways to Create a Safe Haven for Your Pet

Now that you’re aware of the potential pitfalls, let’s take a look at how we can make home remodeling for pets safe and stress-free.

1. Designate a Safe Room

• Choose a quiet space away from the main construction area.
• Include familiar toys, bedding, and a water bowl.
• Consider playing music, turning on the TV, or using a white noise machine to muffle the construction sounds.

2. Maintain Your Pet’s Routine

• As much as you can, stick to regular feeding and exercise schedules.
• Spend extra quality time with your pet to provide comfort and reassurance.

3. Secure the Remodeling Zone

• Use baby gates and close doors to keep pets out of the main work sites.
• Inform the remodelers of your pet’s whereabouts and keep materials and tools out of reach.

4. Consider Alternative Arrangements

• This one hurts, but you should look into a pet daycare or sitter for the busiest remodel days. 
• Ask friends or family who know your pets to pet-sit if the remodeling will be extensive.

5. Update Identification

• Make sure your pet’s collar and microchip information are current.
• (This one is easy!) Keep a recent photo of your pet handy, just in case.

There you have it, our five best home renovation pet safety tips. Remember, a little planning goes a long way to make your pet feel comfortable, safe, and assured.

Communicate with Your Remodeling Team

One of the most significant ways to help your pets during this time is to clearly communicate with us about your pets and concerns.

• Inform us about your pets during your initial consultation
• Discuss any specific needs or concerns 
• Ask about the timeline for using potentially harmful materials

With good communication throughout the process, we can mitigate any potential harm.

Post-Remodel Pet Care

Once the dust settles and you’re enjoying your dream space, here are some things you’ll want to do to keep your pet safe:

• Thoroughly clean all areas before allowing your pet access to the entire home.
• Gradually reintroduce your pet to the remodeled area of your home.
• Watch for any signs of distress or illness in the days following the project.

Slate Design & Remodel’s Pet-Friendly Approach to Remodeling

A successful home remodel considers every family member— including those with four legs or feathers.

By planning ahead and working closely with your remodeling team, you can create a stunning new space while keeping your pets— and you— happy and stress-free.

Ready to start your pet-friendly home remodel? Contact Slate Design & Remodel today!