According to a 2017 report from Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing, home improvement and repair growth will hit 6.8 percent, well above the annual average of 4.9 percent. The boom in home improvement is a good sign that markets have recovered from the 2008 economic downturn.
With more home equity available, it’s not just bathrooms and kitchens getting facelifts. Today, families are looking for creative ways to evolve with their home instead of packing up and moving every few years.
Parents with young children are especially concerned about home safety, both in terms of design and the remodeling process itself. New products and designs focused on safety will guarantee your next remodeling project is kid-friendly.
Kid-proofing the outdoors
One of the first areas toddlers will want to explore is outside. Target outdoor play areas, and make sure the landscaping is safe for young explorers.
Dig into these easy outdoor renovation ideas:
Avoid uneven landscaping or turf: fill in holes and gaps to avoid tripping hazards; level turf will help prevent foundation issues and flooding.
Section off garden areas: tiny hands in the garden may touch things they should not; keep gardens partitioned and gardening tools out of reach.
Pool covers are a must: covers or fences keep kids and pets safe and are required by code in some cases.
Wide-open spaces
Parents need a watchful eye on young children at all times — easier said than done, right? Open floor plans make that job easier.
Focus on functionality (and safety!) with these design tips:
Bring the living area into the kitchen: by removing walls that separate a living space or dining area from the kitchen, mom and dad may prepare a meal and still keep an eye on the kids.
Beware of open windows: new windows are a must for home remodelers with small children. Old or dysfunctional windows can be a safety hazard for young children, especially on upper levels of the home. Upgrading windows can open up a space, save energy costs, and keep children safe.
Durable flooring: updating old carpet with durable wood flooring can help minimize messes, reduce allergens, and make cleanup easier. Use a light shade of flooring to make small rooms feel large and airy.
Work smarter, not harder
Remodelers are always looking for new ways to make the job easier. These smart products help keep things clean and safe while also limiting environmental hazards during renovations:
Sticky Mats: don’t track dust or debris into your home or clean space; walk on sticky mats before leaving a jobsite and your shoe soles are cleaned. Tear off the mat and another sticky mat is ready to go.
Rapid Wall Cover: indoor remodeling can get messy, and with young children in the house that can be a safety hazard. This inexpensive surface protection clings to just about any surface and easily contains dust and debris. When it’s time to clean up, just roll it up and throw it away.
Fire Retardant and Anti-Static Plastic Sheeting: for big jobs, especially sensitive remodels or retrofits, durable plastic sheeting with built-in fire and static inhibitors will ensure containment projects are effective and safe. Unlike other plastic, fire-retardant and anti-static plastic sheeting limits combustion and spread.
If you’re a parent with remodeling goals, Americover can help you get the job done safely and with family-friendly products that won’t break the bank.
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