Summer is right around the corner and many families decide this is the time their home needs an upgrade. When working on projects for customers with children, safety and functionality need to be top of mind.
Many families want their home to grow with their family. Keeping the interior of the home safe and functional is particularly key. Here are a few tips and ideas:
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Open kitchen and dining room
An open kitchen maintains order and also creates an environment for communication. So, consider a large island in the kitchen that oversees the dining room.
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Windows should be replaced every 15-30 years
This is a good opportunity to add style, child locks, and energy efficiency.
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Kid-friendly bathroom
This space should have multifunctional storage. Of course, aesthetics may change with age
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Easy to clean and safe materials
Choose materials that are durable and easy to clean. Choices may include carpet vs. laminate flooring or leather vs. fabric furniture.
Additionally, if you’re doing a project on the exterior of the home (landscaping, roofing, siding, etc.), here are a few helpful tips:
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Uneven landscape
Fill and level any holes in the landscaping to prevent tripping hazards. Adding artificial turf makes for softer and safer play areas.
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Pools
Pools should have a secure cover or a sturdy fence surrounding it to prevent any accidents from happening.
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Entertainment areas
Are stairs secure? Patios level? There are lots of ways to have safe and secure play areas for small children.
Finally, Consider these renovation ideas for clients who want to get their home disaster-ready:
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Standby generator
This can provide a sense of comfort in the event of a power outage.
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Flood proof the home
Level out the hilly areas in the yard, replace old gutters, seal the basement and also add sewage water backstops – just a few ideas to flood-proof a home.
As more families continue to grow with their home instead of out of their home, it’s important to balance safety and functionality. Some of these ideas can be incorporated into the original project but others can be recommended to add onto or do as a phase two – great way to build your bottom line and let your customers know you care about their family.
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