Whether you’re searching for creative ways to design a small kitchen, having your entire home remodeled, or building a mother-in-law suite in the garage, things get a little bit tricky when you have pets in the home. The last thing you or your contractor wants is for there to be pets in the house that are worried, upset, unsafe, or feel threatened during installations, repairs, or renovations.
Whether you have a dog that is aggressive around strangers or a cat that runs and hides, renovations with a pet can be quite the problem when you have contractors in and out of your home. Luckily, there are a few tips that will help you plan your home installations and renovations so that your pets stay calm and your contractors feel safe.
Introduce your pet to the workers.
Whether you’re installing a new cooling system or having the furnace replaced, it’s a good idea to use the same HVAC company every time, even for HVAC system inspections every season. If you have the same repairman come out to your home every time, then your pet will grow accustomed to him and at least not be as nervous as he was with a stranger. For new contractors and renovators, make sure that you introduce your pet to the workers as soon as possible, before the job begins. If your pet is normally friendly, then this will help him get used to the sights and smells of the contractor before they start seeing them around the house each day.
Crate your pet if you have to.
While most pet owners don’t like the idea of crating their pet except for training purposes, sometimes it’s the best thing to do to keep the pet from escaping through a door that’s propped open to never be seen again. If you’re completely against putting your pet in a crate, find a room where they can be comfortably contained. A little inconvenience for you and your pet is much better than exposing them to the dangers of a construction site or remodel.
Create a safe place for your pet.
Sometimes no matter what you do, your pet is going to be anxious and nervous when strangers are in your home. The loud banging and hammering noises, or even just the fact that something is going on that they don’t understand is enough to upset many pets. If that’s the case with your pet, create a safe place where the two of you can retreat once the renovations and installations begin. Fill the space with his bed, fuzzy blanket, and some toys he’s familiar with. Whenever possible, you should try to go in the room with your pet, so that you can comfort him and make him feel a little better about the renovation process.
Consider doggie daycare.
Doggie daycare has been around for quite some time now, and it’s worked wonders for many homeowners who are in the midst of moving, renovations, or anything else that can disrupt and upset their pet’s lives. There are also daycares that will take cats and other animals who might get stressed during renovations. If you feel that your pet will be overly stressed with contractors being in and out of your home on a daily basis, make arrangements for your pet to stay at pet daycare during those hours.
These are just a few tips on how to plan home installations and renovations when you have pets in your home. Pets tend to get stressed and upset over things they can’t control, just as people do. These tips will help you make it through with your sanity and your pet’s emotions intact.
