Keeping Your Pets Safe and Happy During a Home Renovation

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Home Renovation Can Be Stressful, Especially for Your Pets

Home renovation is an exciting process. However, even in the best situation, it's stressful for everyone in the family. Especially our four-legged family members! Imagine the stress of seeing unfamiliar faces every day, hearing scary noises, and having your regular routine turned upside down. Or worse, they are underfoot, in the way, and slowing down the process!

Whether it's the pet owner or contractor, the last thing that anyone wants are animals that are scared, unhappy, or feeling threatened during your home renovation. You know your pets. The best solution is to take their temperament into account and gauge the best way to minimize the impact of construction on their well-being.

Here at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel, we are always happy to work with our clients to minimize the impact of a project on everyone in the household, human and animal alike!

Taking the time to plan and go over your concerns with your contractor beforehand can make the process run smoothly for everyone involved. Here are a few tips to help ensure your pet's safety throughout your home renovation project.

Start By Understanding What Your Project Involves

Discuss your project with your contractor to have a basic understanding of what's involved with your renovation. For example, if your remodeling involves demolition, make sure to coordinate with your contractor so you can get your pets out of the house. You'll want an idea of how long your project will take and the days you might need to remove your pet.

Ask your contractor what days might be spent on demolition to ensure that your pet isn't forced to endure a jackhammer or tile saw all day. Many pets get stressed out by loud noises like the vacuum cleaner or fireworks. Consider how your pet responds to these types of noises and make a judgment call on how to handle it. 

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Also, ask about solvents, adhesives, sanding, or paint, that might be hazardous to pets and people. Ask how long it takes to dry or cure and how long before the fumes dissipate.

Having a plan before construction begins can help you keep your pet safe and happy throughout the process.

Eight Tips For Keeping Your Pet Safe During A Home Renovation

The more you know how to ensure your pet's safety, the less stress you both will experience. Follow these simple tips to keep your pet comfortable while your home is a construction zone. Remember, many potential issues can be prevented by talking with your contractor. 

Microchip Your Pet 

If you haven't done it already, have your pet chipped. That way, if your pet gets scared and escapes, the local shelter will be able to identify your pet and contact you. Taking a photo of your pet before construction begins is a good idea. Just in case you need to make flyers.

Take a Few Extra Precautions

If you can, schedule a vet visit and have a check-up to see if everything is ok. Pets don't always let us know when they're sick. If an underlying illness becomes exacerbated by stress, it could develop into something more serious.

Introduce Your Pet to the Workers

If your pet is friendly, letting your pet meet and sniff the contractors working in your house can help. Allowing them to familiarize themselves with the scents and voices may lower their stress levels during the renovation, even if those voices are out of sight most of the day.

Create A Safe Space

Your pet might be used to having the run of the house or yard. This won't work during construction. Instead, choose a room far from the action for your pet. Set him up with familiar things like their bed and favorite toys. Also, make sure to leave them food and water. Tape a note to the door to let everyone know that your pet is inside.

See What Can Be Done Outside

There might be tasks that can occur outside or ahead of time, like cutting materials to size or pre-painting surfaces. That means less mess and less stuff your pet can get into. Ask your contractor if working outside is an option. 

Maintain Your Routines

Keep an eye on your pet's health and behavior throughout the project and afterward. If they have more accidents, become aggressive, or vocalize more, it might be a sign of stress. If they cough, act lethargic, or are uninterested in food, see a vet ASAP. It's crucial to keep up your pet's routines. Ensure you feed and walk them on schedule, and schedule plenty of playtime to burn off that extra energy!

Do A Walkthrough When the Workers Leave

After the workers have left for the day, take a quick walk through your house before letting your pet out. Look for debris like nails or other sharp objects that could harm your pet. Make sure all gates are doors are closed.

If All Else Fails, Opt for Daycare or Board Your Pet

If construction stresses your pet out, consider boarding your pet or opting for daycare. Boarding can be expensive and introduce another kind of stress depending on your pet. Daycare costs less and can eliminate the risk of distress during construction hours if your pet has the right temperament. Plus, you can rest easier knowing that your pet is safe, cared for, comfortable, and getting plenty of attention!

When You Remodel, Think of Your Four-Legged Family Too!

There's nothing you wouldn't do for your pet. Pets are family too! So when it comes to a home renovation, take these simple steps to keep them safe. Your pet's health and happiness are a top priority. 

If you live in the greater Madison, Wisconsin area and plan a home renovation project, why not give Degan Design-Build-Remodel experts a call at (608) 846-5963. If you have pets, we'll work with you to make your project as stress-free as possible for you and your pet!