Pets are family members, so why should we get all of the luxuries and not give our furry friends a slice of the pie? If you have a pet who means the world to you, you should consider incorporating unique features into your custom-built home that are meant just for them.
With your busy and productive lifestyle, luxury pet amenities are far from just for show, they will help you maintain efficiency in your day-to-day life. In this article, Alair South Tampa offers tips for designing the (purr)fect (fur)ever home.
Animal Instincts: What to Add to Your Custom Home
There are several simple additions you can make to your custom home design plans to make your house pet-friendly. These do not require significant changes in the blueprint if any at all, in case you have already submitted plans for the necessary building permits.
Use a Glossy or Semi-Glossy Paint or Tile
In rooms where you think your animals will spend a lot of time, use materials and finishes that are easy to wipe down if they get stained or wet. If you are incorporating a pet room or simply have an area for your animals in the mudroom, consider using glossy or semi-gloss paint or tile.
Incorporate a Pet Station
If you are not dedicating an entire room to your pets, incorporate a pet station into the laundry room, mudroom, or by the door that your pet uses to go outside.
This can be a great area to store treats, litter, brushes, toys, and other accessories.
A built-in cabinet can be a chic way
to store extra food and leashes.
Select the Right Flooring
Durable & Slip Resistant
If you want your flooring to stay in the best shape without too much wear and tear, we suggest using materials such as luxury vinyl flooring, concrete, stone, porcelain, or ceramic tiles.
This can be a good choice for our warm weather in Tampa since it is cooler than carpet and can prevent your pets from overheating.
Carpet
Carpet is not the best flooring for pets in terms of cleanliness, although it serves as nice padding for your pets to sleep and walk. It is not noisy the way hard floors can be with the clicking sounds of little feet.
Use stain-resistant low-pile carpeting if you decide to go this route so that accidents can be things of the past instead of a permanent mark on your home. You will also want to opt for a color that is close to your pet’s coat if they shed a lot. Additionally, anti-microbial, moisture-resistant padding will ensure the underlying floor is as protected as possible.
Hardwood
If you want gorgeous hardwood floors, prepare yourself for some scratches and dents. While some may find these little nicks to create a cozy patina with character, we understand that not everyone feels this way.
To make potential damage as inconspicuous as possible, choose hardwoods that have a matte or low sheen finish and already have some distressed details. Go with a harder species such as oak or mahogany that is less easily damaged.
Install a Magnetic or Electronic Doggie Door
To avoid inviting unwanted intruders into your home, whether wild animals or people or to keep small children from going out, we suggest installing a magnetic or electronic doggie door. This works in conjunction with your pet’s collar so that it only opens when they approach the door.
Go All Out with Luxury Custom Features
For pet owners who want to take their pet palace to the next level, here are some incredible pet amenities to include in the build of your dream home.
1. Build a Dog Staircase
Smaller puppy legs and older animals may have a challenging time climbing or descending a normal staircase, so why not make it easy on your animal if you have the resources? This modern home in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is an incredible source of inspiration that Alair South Tampa is happy to draw from.
This dual staircase is not only functional but also adds a unique shape and depth to the home unlike anything else we’ve seen. An added handrail ensures your animal doesn’t have any major spills.
Image Courtesy of Hiroyuki Oki
2. Designate a Dog Room with a Shower Area
We already mentioned creating a pet station, but why not designate an entire room for your dogs with a bathing area and all? You can install a “lazy-Susan” inspired space for food bowls that spins back into the cabinets when the animals are not eating.
Another cabinet can open up to reveal a bed with a small door for your pets to get through when your pet needs a dark and quiet place to rest. The same goes for any litter boxes – did you know they make self-cleaning litter boxes now?
If space permits, you can build an elevated dog
shower to make bath time easier on your back.
3. Create an Under-Stair Cat Box Enclosure
For homes without basements, like the majority of the properties here in Florida, creating a cat oasis beneath the staircase can be a fantastic use of space. You can build shelves along the walls for the cats to climb as well as cabinets for litter boxes, toys, and other necessities.
4. Include a Dog Run Outside of the Dog Door
Plus, a dog run just outside of the dog door that is equipped with a shaded area and water supply will give your pooch access to fresh air and a safe place to play outside.
Create the (Purr)fect Space for Your Four-Legged Friends
With our team of experienced luxury contractors and network of architects, engineers, and designers, you can build a dream home for both you and your pets. Some people may give you funny looks and say, “they are just animals.” But you know they are family and should be treated as such.
Whether you want to make simple alterations or massive add-ons to your custom home design, Alair South Tampa has the means and the vision to bring your ideas to life. Reach out to our Project Assistant today to schedule your consultation.
Living Better Starts Here® for you and your four-legged friends.