Building a home for your growing family will take planning. You will want plenty of outdoor space for play and family fun. You’ll also need interior surfaces that will tolerate wear and tear and that are safe for your children. Here are a few things to consider when you’re building a home to make sure that it’s safe for your family.
Type of Flooring
Many flooring products offer durability. However, a quality hardwood floor, properly stained and sealed, can make maintenance a breeze. Make sure to choose a stain that works with any wood furniture you currently own. If you’re going to put this flooring down throughout the house, choose a neutral tone for longevity. There are several benefits of hardwood floors when you have children. Manufactured hardwoods can be put over an insulated underlayment for warmth and quiet. Rugs can be used in bedrooms and in the family room for comfort and bare feet. You can invest in a robot vacuum to keep the dust down and wake up to tidy, barefoot-clean floors.
Additional Rooms
Setting up a playroom outside of the bedrooms gives your children the chance to make a mess in a designated space. In addition, you can set up a playroom as an “anything goes” space. For example, this is a space that could use vinyl flooring to reduce damage from spilled paints. Consider adding shelving to keep books and games neat. Invest in a thick, comfy rug for imaginative play. Make sure that every surface is easy to clean. Paint the walls with chalkboard paint or install a magnetized whiteboard as wainscoting in part of the room. Set up bins or baskets around the room so the space can be tidied quickly for vacuuming.
Make the Kitchen Functional
When building a house, it’s tempting to invest in all the kitchen features of your dreams. However, families with small children need a kitchen that functions well. Your dream cabinetry may look terrific and make you happy, but it only takes a few smacks from a rambunctious child to mar the finish. Instead, focus on the right footprint. Open your kitchen to the eating space or plan for an island. Make sure you get the permanent items right. These include placement of the sink, water lines to the refrigerator and gas lines for your range. Install flooring that will handle spills and dropped cups and plates. If your kitchen is the path to your backyard, consider installing a sliding glass door with pet access.
Your new home will always be a work in progress. As your kids grow up, you may choose to turn the playroom into an office or a craft area. Stay flexible. In your initial build, focus on the footprint. Throughout most of the house, install quality wood flooring that will stand the test of time.
Here’s another article you might like: Three Things To Consider About Your Next Home Improvement Project
