Top home improvement projects for pets
Americans love their pets, which is amply evident in Boulder County, a haven for pet lovers. With its abundant dog parks and miles of open space trails, Boulder is a paradise—especially if you’re a dog. Beyond providing companionship, pets also influence remodeling projects in significant ways.
In a survey of more than 1,000 pet owners, Houzz.com found that nearly half of responders—48%—prioritize their furry companions when making home renovation decisions. Among those surveyed, 34% considered pet-friendly products and materials, while 22% chose a design or functionality to accommodate their pet’s needs, such as designated feeding stations or sleeping areas.
Pet-centered renovations popular
Remodeling can enhance a home’s value, making it more enjoyable to live in and boosting its appeal on the market. Many homebuyers today favor move-in ready homes, especially the nearly one-third of younger buyers who expressed this preference in a recent survey by RE/MAX.
Pets are an integral part of many households. The Houzz study revealed that more than 44% of pet owners have a single pet, while 26% share their home with three or more. Unsurprisingly, dogs dominate the pet population at 83%, followed by cats at 33%—suggesting that some households welcome both. Birds and fish are much less common, making up only 3% of surveyed pet ownership.
Given the prevalence of dogs and cat owners, it makes sense that the most common pet-related home improvement projects include fencing yards, installing laminate flooring and adding doggie doors. According to a Remodeling Impact Report by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), these upgrades are among pet owners’ top do-it-yourself (DIY) projects to make their homes more accommodating.
Built-in pet features are on the rise
While DIY projects can be common, most renovating pet owners in the Houzz study hired a professional to help incorporate custom pet-friendly features into their renovations. Among this group, nearly 1 in 10 homeowners added built-in areas as part of their home upgrades.
The most popular built-in features include feeding stations and outdoor enclosed spaces, such as a catio, topping the list at 39% and 34%, respectively. Other built-ins included sleeping or relaxation areas at 21% and grooming stations, play structures and litter boxes at 18% each.
Pet owners’ biggest home challenges
While pets bring joy, they also come with challenges that impact home maintenance. The Houzz survey found that the top frustrations among pet owners include an overabundance of fur and hair, followed by tracked-in dirt, mud, or other outdoor elements, and keeping pet-related items organized and out of the way, at 65%, 42% and 28%, respectively.
Additionally, pets can be tough on household furnishings. Nearly three-quarters of pet owners reported having to replace a household item due to pet-related damage. Carpets or rugs are the most frequently replaced items, followed by furniture and bedding.
Making the renovation project pet-friendly
Pet owners also take extra steps to ensure their furry companions stay safe and comfortable during renovations. More than half of homeowners undergoing remodeling projects make special arrangements for their pets. Among them, 43% restrict their pet’s access to certain areas of the home, while 6% temporarily move their animals out of the house to avoid the stress and hazards of construction.
Pet-friendly homes can appeal to buyers
With the affinity for pets here in Colorado and beyond, adding pet amenities to your home may enhance your living space and boost your home’s marketability. Potential buyers who have pets may be drawn to homes with built-in pet amenities, fenced yards, or durable, scratch-resistant flooring.
If you’re planning a remodel, it’s a good idea to establish a pet policy for you and the contractors working in your home. This can help ensure the safety and comfort of both your pets and the workers throughout the renovation process.
For a deeper dive into the trend of pet-centric home upgrades, read the full 2024 U.S. Houzz Pets & The Home Study at https://st.hzcdn.com/static/econ/2024_Houzz_US_Pets_and_the_Home_Study.pdf.
Jay Kalinski is the broker/owner of RE/MAX Elevate and owner of RE/MAX of Boulder. He is also an experienced Realtor, lawyer and veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He focuses on both residential and commercial real estate and is experienced with real estate development and investment. Jay lives in Boulder and is a zealous advocate for his clients. He is also an avid triathlete, runner, reader and supporter of Veterans’ causes.
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This article is brought to you by atHome Colorado, your weekly insight into real estate, design, and community trends, published weekly by the advertising and marketing department in the Boulder Daily Camera, Loveland Reporter-Herald, Greeley Tribune, and Longmont Times-Call
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