Whether you're a cat person or a dog person, it's no secret that pets are a big part of our lives. In 2022, it's estimated that over 70% of US households include one or more pets, totaling 90.5 million homes!
These days, no new custom home would be complete without some consideration for these family members. The good news is that the opportunities are endless when you build a custom home! A great custom home builder can help make your new house the perfect home for the entire family.
Read on for ten custom home features you - and your best friend - will love.
Once you have purchased your lot, it's time to choose the floor plan and layout that makes the most sense for your family.
If your custom home builder offers architecture and design services, don't just focus on the number of bedrooms, layout, and overall square footage. Be sure to ask what pet-friendly design customizations they recommend or have implemented for past clients.
If you already have a plan, it's also a good idea to review it with your builder or builder's liaison to look for ways to maximize space in your home. The best home builders will have ideas to help you take the best advantage of views, lighting, and the nooks and crannies that might make terrific pet-friendly features.
Consider how spaces like those under the stairs, down hallways, and in tucked away corners could be outfitted for your pet while helping you maximize every square foot of your new home.
You can create spaces for pet beds or crates, cabinetry, or shelving for pet toys, bedding, or other essentials under the stairs, for example. Some cat owners even create cat box enclosures under the stars with pull-out drawers for easy disposal and a low fan for circulation.
Discuss plan changes early in the building process so you can minimize the cost associated with change orders and rework as much as possible. During construction, you'll have several walk-throughs with your builder or project manager. Sometimes customization opportunities appear as the home takes shape, so ask your builder to be on the lookout.
Hardwood, vinyl plank flooring, and tile remain popular flooring choices for new homeowners with just about any budget. Vinyl plank flooring, for example, is popular among families because it's durable, resistant to spills, and easy to clean. While it might be more expensive than carpet at first glance, choosing vinyl plank flooring means you'll benefit from the future cost savings of not having to replace worn or stained carpet in a few years.
When building your dream home, you want to reap every reward of a fully customizable home, such as positioning it on your lot to ensure the best views and lighting.
Consider installing features to help make views better for the whole family, like full glass door panels or pet-height windows for your furry friends to take in the sights.
Built-in cabinetry or jutted-out windows can add dimension and style to your home. Consider adding window seats with comfy (washable) pillows to create a welcome space for those late afternoon cap naps and sun lounges.
Those after-market baby gates and pet barricades can be annoying and ineffective, so why not install features native to your finished home? Swinging stair gates, half doors, indoor/outdoor pet doors, and pocket gates can provide practical and safe ways to manage where pups (or kids!) play while at home.
One of the best pet-friendly features we see added to custom-built homes is a wash station to help make grooming your pet a cinch. Waist or full-height showers, affordable tile, and built-in cabinetry for supplies make bath time stress-free while keeping the rest of your home cleaner.
With a full-size shower just off the garage or entryway, the spa station can double as a changing area, mudroom, or rinsing area when the family has just come in from the lake or nearby trails.
You want to be able to enjoy the outdoors all year round, and so do your furry friends! A screened-in porch or patio gives your pet a taste of the outdoors while keeping them safely inside. Hmm, patio...catio? Either way, they'll love it!
If you’re worried about a dog clawing through your screened-in patio, don’t fear! Build it with a knee wall with the screen above it.
Fencing in your backyard is a no-brainer if you're a dog owner. But depending on the community guidelines in your new community, you might have specific fence types permitted. Be sure to check with your builder or architectural review board to see what options are available.
Don't like the idea of a fence obstructing your view? Consider installing an invisible fence to keep the look you want while keeping your dogs safe.
Ok, so nearby amenities have more to do with location and the community you choose, but they're worth mentioning because they can make such a big difference in your and your pet's quality of life. Just like when you select a community that has access to your desired school district, consider building in a community that will help create the lifestyle you're looking for.
Close proximity to walking and hiking trails, parks, lakeside paths, and pet-friendly outdoor venues make you more likely to get out and active in your new neighborhood.
For example, custom home communities like Tennessee National were planned with miles of hiking trails, outdoor picnic areas, and plenty of room for you to enjoy the lake and the outdoors. Spending time outdoors will help not only your pet to stay happier and healthier, but research has shown that you will, too!
Besides the new home fixture and features, don't miss out on the extras. While considering which appliances will save you money by operating with high energy efficiency, you might want to opt for them to be smudge-proof while you're at it. Just think of all the time you'll save not having to wipe so many nose prints!
And, of course, not part of a custom home build, but there are so many pet-friendly home products these days. Robotic vacuums, automatic treat dispensers, pet-water filtration and feeding systems, and in-home pet cameras make your life easier and furry loved ones even more loved. And don't they deserve it?
Located less than 30 minutes from Knoxville, Tennessee National is the premier lake and golf community in East Tennessee. Schedule your tour today and see why so many families are choosing Tennessee National. Our custom home team can help build the home of your - and your pet's dreams. Contact us today.
