Starting a family is an exciting time. But along with the joys of parenthood come a whole host of new responsibilities. One of those responsibilities is maintaining your home.
Now that you are a proud homeowner and recently started your own family, it’s time to tackle home improvements that will make your house a safe and comfortable place for your family to grow. This home improvement checklist is designed specifically for families who are just starting out.
Childproof Your Home
Any parent’s first priority is keeping the children safe. After repairing maintenance issues, your next step would be to childproof your home. Of course, this will depend on the age of your children. For example, if you have a baby, you need to childproof your home differently than a toddler.
Here are some tips for childproofing your home:
If you have a baby:
- Install safety gates at the top and bottom of any stairs in your home.
- Invest in a locked cabinet where you can keep all cleaning products and chemicals out of reach, preferably in a locked cabinet.
- Cover electrical outlets with childproof covers.
- Put locks on doors leading to the outside or any dangerous areas, such as the garage or basement.
If you have a toddler: In addition to the safety measures listed above, you will also need to:
- Anchor any large furniture to the wall. In case your kids climb over, the furniture won’t tip over.
- Install window guards on any low enough windows for your child to reach.
Update Your Home’s Outdoor Living Space
Now might be the time to add a deck or patio. Having an outdoor living space is a great way to extend your home’s square footage and create a place for your family to enjoy the outdoors. This will give your family a nice place to enjoy more Vitamin D, especially during the warmer months.
When updating your outdoor living space, it won’t hurt to consider adding some landscaping to your yard. This will give you a chance to design a landscape that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Some things you might want to consider when planning your outdoor living space include the following:
- Installing a fence around your property
- Planting trees for shade and privacy
- Adding a garden area
- Make sure your outdoor living space is well-lit
If you’re unsure how to create a landscape design that will fit your growing family’s needs, you can always hire a professional landscape designer. A professional landscape artist can make your vision a reality while considering your family’s landscaping needs and the scope of your yard.
Invest in Energy-Efficient Upgrades
It pays to add to your to-do list some projects that will enable you to improve your home’s efficiency. Since you now have a family, it helps to utilize all areas where you can save money. Investing in upgrades that enhance your home’s energy efficiency can increase your energy savings and help the environment.
Here are some ideas to consider that will allow you to improve home efficiency:
- Replace old appliances with energy
- Choose LED bulbs
- Install a programmable thermostat
- Upgrade to a tankless water heater
- Install energy-efficient windows
Consider your family’s needs when making energy-efficient upgrades to your home. For example, suppose you have young children. A programmable thermostat allows you to control the temperature of your home using a mobile app, which can be a lifesaver when you’re trying to juggle kids and a million other things at once.
Invest in a Family Room Addition
As your family grows, you might feel like your home now lacks space. If this is the case, it might be time to invest in a family room addition. A family room addition is a great way to add extra square footage to your home without going through a major renovation.
When designing your family room addition, think about how your family will use the space. You might want to include a play area if you have young children. If your children are older, you might want to include a game area or a place for them to do their homework. You should also make sure that there is plenty of seating and that the furniture is comfortable.
If you’re not sure where to start, you can always hire an interior designer to help you plan and design your family room addition. An interior designer will consider your family’s needs and come up with a functional and aesthetically pleasing design.
Think About Storage Solutions
A growing family means that you will have more stuff. And with more stuff comes the need for more storage. When planning a home improvement, think about ways that you can add extra storage to your home. This might include adding built-ins to your family room or Mudroom or converting an unused closet into a playroom.
There are lots of great storage solutions, so take some time to research what would work best for your family. You can consider new sets of furniture with built-in storage. For example, you might want a coffee table with drawers or an ottoman with a shelf. These types of pieces of furniture are great because they provide extra storage without taking up too much space.
Many great home improvement ideas are perfect for a growing family. The first step would be to consider your family’s needs when making changes to your home. With some planning, you can ensure that your home is comfortable and stylish for years to come.
