If you’re designing a custom home, you’ve probably had to sit down and truly ponder what your family needs. How many rooms do you need? What location will work best for you and your family? Is there a particular style of home you need to build?
These are all great questions to muse over, but there’s another stakeholder you should keep in mind as you plan your custom-built home: your furry friends!
Your pets add so much to your life. It’s time to return the favor and consider their needs when you’re designing your custom home. Maykus Homes, one of Dallas-Fort Worth’s premier custom home builders, has some thoughts on how you can make your custom home the perfect place for your pets.
While they might be the primary beneficiaries, many of these design elements add value to your home’s asking price and make your life just that much more comfortable in the meantime.
Outdoor Spaces
Vibrant outdoor spaces are a must if you have dogs, and your yard is a key component of this. Be sure to set aside some time for a yard when you’re planning your custom home. The amount of space you need for a dog will vary tremendously with the breed and size of your dog, so bear in mind that this is a rule of thumb, but aim for at least 300 square feet for your yard. This should be enough to allow for exercise and relaxation space, but more is better if you have a large lot.
An enclosed backyard is just one outdoor space to keep in mind when you’re designing a custom-built home for your family and pets. Proximity to a dog park or walking trail is a must-have for many dog owners. We’ve highlighted some of our favorite neighborhoods in Dallas-Fort Worth, and many of them are conveniently close to hiking trails and public parks, making them ideal locations for your canine companion.
Additionally, many design elements, like a shady gazebo or a pool, can also improve your dog’s use of your back yard and add value to your custom home’s asking price if you should ever decide to sell.
Mudroom & Dedicated Wash Station
Pets can be messy. Any pet owner knows this all too well, and you likely have spent more time cleaning up after your four-legged friend than you’d care to admit. Some amount of mess will be par for the course when living with animals, but there are some tips and tricks you can employ to minimize the amount of mess.
A mudroom is one such design element that can make or break your house when living with an outdoor animal. This room gives you a great area to clean up your pet before they move into the rest of your house. It might not be a mess-free area, but it is a great resource to keep your canine friend’s mess localized to one part of your home.
Additionally, if you’re looking to minimize mess, a dedicated washing station can be a game-changer for a pet-owner. There are numerous unique ways to incorporate this into your home, so feel free to be creative.
Enclosed Patios
Few additions to your house will be as well-received by your pets as an enclosed patio. This type of space is an excellent way for your pet to be outside while avoiding pesky fleas and insects.
Plus, your pets likely won’t be the only beneficiaries of an enclosed patio—you might be a big fan of the transitional space as well! Again, this will also significantly increase the value of the home, given how useful an enclosed and covered patio can be in North Texas summers.
Pet-Friendly Doors
Your pet may also enjoy the ability to enter and leave your custom-built home whenever they feel like it. Consider a doggy door or cat door for your four-legged friend. There are numerous unique and interesting ways to incorporate this design choice into your custom home, depending on your specific situation and the needs of your pet.
An outside cat door will look quite different from one designed for a large dog breed. Our team can help walk you through the specifics of integrating a pet door into your custom home if desired.
Call Maykus Homes
Are you looking to build a custom home in the Dallas-Fort Worth area? Call Maykus Homes today. We’ve been building amazing custom homes across the Metroplex for decades and know how to create a property that you and your furry friends will adore. Call now!