by Ann Marie Stratton - July 21, 2021

Dog Friendly Home Renovations You Won’t Regret When It’s Time to Sell

Whether you’re buying your first home or upgrading your current one, your dog deserves a home where it feels comfortable, loved, and cared for. And, if you have some extra space and want to do something special for your four-legged friend or are introducing a new dog into your home for the first time, there are many basic home improvements you can make to show how much you care.

July is doghouse repair month, so why not tackle some home improvement tasks in your own home for your dog? Here is a list of 7 dog-friendly renovations you won’t regret when it’s time to sell.

Ready to take on a home renovation project?

1) Build a hideaway feeding area

Are you tired of accidentally kicking your dog’s feeding bowls? Or, are you wishing their feeding bowls were more visually appealing? Consider a hideaway feeding area. These custom shelves are designed to pull out when it’s time to eat and disappear once your dog is finished. You can easily disguise a hideaway feeding area in a floor-level drawer or underneath the kitchen sink cabinet. These are also great investments for when you sell your home, as you won’t have to worry about hiding your doggy dishes during open houses or home tours.

2) Carve out an under-the-stairs dog house

Every dog deserves a place to call its own. And if your staircase and house’s foundation permit, an under-the-stairs dog house can be a perfect retreat for your pup. You’ll want to work with a contractor to ensure your stairs aren’t load-bearing, are hollow, and can hold a large opening to serve as a framed doorway. Once completed, drywall the surrounding areas and install flooring. To really make the space feel cozy, decorate with string lights, unique wallpaper, a comfortable doggy bed, and even a picture of the whole family. Once you put your home on the market, an under-the-stairs dog house can easily be converted into a miniature library or additional storage space.

3) Create a dog-centric shower

After a walk through the neighborhood or run around the dog park, your dog may have dirt or mud stuck between its paws and legs. If you have extra space in your garage or a bonus room close to your entryway, creating a designated dog shower is a useful solution to keep your home clean before letting your four-legged friend roam around the house. Like a regular shower, a dog washing station is a rectangular area consisting of basic plumbing, standard framing, glass encasing, and tiling. If you live in an area close to the beach, dog showers can also double as washing stations to rinse away sand from your day at the beach. Work with a contractor to figure out where best to install one.

4) Purchase a potty patch

For smaller homes or apartments with limited yard space, a synthetic turf potty patch may be a great dog-centric alternative if your dog needs to go potty. Potty patches are versatile and can fit on sunrooms, patios, or even balconies. More importantly, they prevent your dog from dirtying flooring, walls, or furniture. When not in use, potty patches blend in with their surroundings to look like a patch of grass. When full, potty patches have removable drainage systems that can be cleaned and replaced easily. Luckily, this isn’t much of a renovation rather a simple addition you can easily remove when the time comes to sell your home.

5) Install a sliding gate

The safety of your dog is most important, and if you’re trying to keep your dog away from certain areas of your house, installing sliding gates connected to your door pockets can be both a functional and aesthetic home addition. There are many ways you can install a sliding gate from setting up a swing gate to installing one connected to a wall or cabinet to slide in and out when needed. Depending on your home’s style, there are different types of gates from wood to metal to give your home a sleek design. Sliding gates are versatile and can easily be removed if you plan on selling your home, but may also be considered a bonus feature for homebuyers with small children.

6) Go with a doggy door

Doggy doors are one of the most common home installations an owner can do for their dog. But did you know there are different types of doors to fit your needs? Traditional doggy doors are made of plastic with a magnetic lock. However, modern doors incorporate smart home technology and weather-resistant material to ensure your dog doesn’t leave for a midnight stroll through the neighborhood. These doors can also keep your home insulated and water-free during winter months or stormy weather. If you are worried about permanent damage to your home, removable screen doggy doors that attach to sliding doors are a viable option.

7) Install heated floors for comfortable paws

For a dog-centric home improvement that may even increase your home value, consider installing heated floors. Not only can heated floors provide uniform heating, fewer allergens, and energy efficiency for your home, but they also promote comfort and warmth for elderly dogs, short-haired dogs, or dogs that live in colder places. Dogs have a higher resting body temperature than humans so make sure to pay attention to how they react to floor temperatures. If your dog shies away from heated floors, the temperature may need to be lowered. When it comes time to sell your home, heated floors are sure to be a key selling point