When considering a design for a new home for you and your family, you want to create the best possible living space for all the members of your family. If you have children of the four-legged, canine variety, there are a few additions that can be made during the construction process that can make a huge difference. These additions are minor, meaning they can easily be reversed or repurposed when the time eventually comes to sell the home, and yet when you and your dogs are living there, the benefits of these additions can be considerable. These features can be implemented by a custom home builder into an existing design prior to construction. So what additions can be made for the benefit of your beloved pooch?

In the Kitchen

A kitchen island can be utilised to create a specific living space for your dog. Essentially creating an indoor kennel, the hollow underside of the island can be walled with mesh, with a small ridge around the base to minimise the amount of dog hair that escapes. Bedding can be placed inside, and this can be your dog's inside sleeping space. An unobtrusive gate can be added, allowing you to confine your dog if needed (allowing them to be out of the way, while still being part of the family unit). A floor height sliding drawer can be added in the kitchen as well, with bowls built in (which are detachable for cleaning). This allows you to feed your dog in a specific area and then slide the bowl away. No more tripping over the bowl!

Under the Stairs

Another form of indoor kennel, your home builder can simply add a small nook under the stairwell. Your dog has a dedicated sleeping area (as opposed to just placing their bedding in the corner of the room) which keeps them out from underfoot. This small hollow can be finished with a vinyl laminate, allowing it to be wiped clean. You have the option of adding a mesh door to confine the dog, but this might look obtrusive against the wood of stairs, which is generally not the case when mesh is used in the kitchen as previously suggested.

Laundry and Bathroom

Consider adding a hot water shower to the exterior of your new home, using the pipes that will be installed in your laundry room. It can be as easy as having a hot water tap on the exterior of your home, allowing you to use a garden hose or detachable shower head and pipe. This gives you the option of allowing your dog to be washed in warm water, which they will certainly appreciate in the colder months. If you're in the habit of washing your dog in your own bathroom, consider a walk in bath. This contains a hinged door, which is watertight when closed. Your dog can walk in and out of the bath, sparing your back, making it a great home addition if you have a larger dog.

With a few minor modifications to the design of your new home, you will create a living space that is both comfortable and practical for your four-legged babies.