Home renovations can be hard on families, having contractors in and around your house for weeks or months at a time, but you’ve had time to prepare and make a relationship with your builders. Learn more about keeping your kids happy during your remodel here.
What about your pets? Since animals don’t understand that construction can be loud and messy, it’s a good idea to make accommodations for them before the work begins. While some animals, especially dogs, find comfort in being in their crate, the noise from construction can cause them stress.
Having a great relationship with your builder is imperative to keeping your project on track and keeping ALL of your family members happy and calm. Rather than kenneling your pets at home, here are some tips to keep your pets safe and calm during your home remodel.
#1 Talk to your contractor about your pets before the project starts.
Just like you would tell your contractor about having children in the house, make sure you mention your pets. Great contractors will even want to meet your furry friends. For many projects, contractors can coexist with pets in the home. We’ve even dubbed some of our homeowners’ pets our "project managers" because we spend so much time together. If your pet is friendly, your contractor could even take them on walks during the day depending on the level of demolition and safety hazards during the project (at least that's what we do, with your permission).
See more images from this fido's home addition.
#2 Close off the construction area.
A good contractor will leave your home clean and safely secured at the end of the workday. But during the day, your home will have materials, tools
See more photo from this pup's home addition here.
#3 Keep pets outside.
If you have a fenced yard away from the noise and mess of construction, and the weather permits, consider keeping your pets outside or even in your garage. Some pets might be able to roam freely in the backyard while others do better in a kennel. Adding ambient sound outside such as white noise or a radio will help mask the sound of construction that is taking place inside of your house. Be sure to talk to your contractors to confirm they aren’t using your yard or garage to store extra materials.
See more of these kittens' home addition, kitchen
#4 Take your pets to work with you.
You most likely can’t pause your regular job during a home remodel. Rather than leaving your pets home alone during construction, take them to work with you. More and more companies are adopting pet-friendly policies. Talk to your boss about their pet policy and, if allowed, bring your pets with you! Spending all day in a new environment can be challenging for your pet, so remember to bring toys and treats with you to give them the comforts of home. A little socialization is always good for you pup!
#5 Schedule walks.
You can also schedule for a dog walker during the hours you know your contractors will be in your home. Apps like Wag! and Rover are great for scheduling dog sitting and walks with reputable pet lovers in your area. These apps screen walkers and pet sitters to ensure your pet is cared for by an insured and bonded. Schedule activity for as little as 30 minutes or prolonged care over a set period of time for a one-time event or recurring.
#6 Leave your pets with friends, family, or in daycare.
If taking your pets to work isn’t an option, ask family or friends to pet sit in their home during the day while construction is taking place. If no one is available, contact pet daycares and boarding facilities in your area. With this option, remember to factor the cost of daycare into your remodeling budget. Daycares can cost several hundred per month for daily use.
Wondering who you can trust with your home and your family for your home improvement projects?
Check out our special guide below on how to choose a professional contractor PLUS questions to ask to find the right fit.
