While you’re considering all the elements that go into a home remodeling project, you’ll be thinking about lots of things like budget, time, and the how to get through any inconveniences that might arise during the project. But don’t forget to think about the safety and comfort of your pets during your home renovation! Your pets can’t protect themselves or tell you when something is wrong, so as responsible pet owners, it is your job to look out for them.
Here are 7 tips to help keep your pet safe during a remodel:
- Remove or elevate all electrical wires. Most pets will chew through electrical wires if given the opportunity. Make sure all wires are put away safely where your curious little fuzzballs can’t reach them no matter how hard they try.
- Secure loose or wobbly items. If cats love to brush against walls and table legs, they’ll be sure to love the opportunity to rub up against building materials. Since they can’t tell the difference between a table leg and a loose stack of plywood, just imagine what could happen to anything that isn’t secure and stable.
- Stay aware of open doorways and windows. Renovations of all kinds will inevitably result in open doors while workers move in and out, especially with projects that involve replacing windows and doors or working on exterior walls. Be mindful of this and make sure your pets don’t have the chance to wander out.
- Watch out for dangerous materials. Small hazardous items may get left on the floor and cut tender paws, such as nails, staples, tacks, and anything sharp.
- Respect the remodeling workers time and space. Leaving pets alone with contractors is not a smart idea. Any contractors or workers in your home will be concentrating on the quality of their work and keeping themselves and their coworkers safe. They aren’t in a position to watch after your pets. Even worse, if you end up with a spooked puppy, you can be sued if he bites them.
- Consider boarding your animals. If boarding isn’t an option for you, dogs should at the very least be securely fenced in the backyard. If you expect workers to be going through the backyard at any point, Fido should be tied up as well as fenced. If you like the idea of petsitting rather than boarding, check out Rover.com to find a local petsitter. If none of these are an option for you, consider asking a trusted family member or friend to let your pet stay over when the workers are present.
- Keep the family informed. Let all family members know that it is their shared responsibility to watch out for the safety of your pets. Consider having a frank conversation with your workers to let them know that there are pets in the house, and that they must faithfully clean all work areas at the end of each day and stabilize all loose items.
You’ll have plenty to think about while you prepare for a remodeling project. Hiring contractors, making important design decisions, and being realistic about your budget are enough to fill up your time as it is, so making sure your pets are safe and cared for should be taken care of before any projects begin.
JM Construction would love to hear from you about your remodeling dreams, so contact us today so we can go over some ideas to make those dreams a reality.
