At J.S. Brown & Co., we understand that when you invite us into your home, you’re also inviting us into your pet’s home. Our four-legged (or feathered or scaled) friends may not understand why walls are suddenly coming down or why strangers are walking around their favorite napping spots. That’s why we take extra care to protect your pets from harm and reduce their stress during the remodeling process. Below, we’ll share our own pet-friendly procedures and offer some helpful tips for homeowners, so you and your pets can feel confident from start to finish.
Our Pet-Protecting Practice
1. We ask about your Pets at the Pre-Construction Meeting
This is the perfect time to let us know all about them. Will they try to escape when we open the door? Are the nervous, aggressive, or friendly? Are we allowed to let them out into the backyard or refill their bowls when they’re empty?
2. Frequent Cleaning and Debris Removal
Construction can mean stray nails, small pieces of debris, and dust. We prioritize frequent cleaning to keep little paws safe and ensure there are no hidden hazards.
3. Negative Air Pressure & Air Filtration
Renovation inevitably stirs up dust, odors, and other irritants. Our use of negative air pressure fans and robust filtration systems helps trap airborne particles before they spread to the rest of your home—especially important for sensitive pet noses.
4. Tool Storage and Organization
We make sure to store our tools safely and securely at the end of each workday. This keeps curious pets from chewing on cords or knocking over equipment.
5. Physical Barriers and Temporary Walls
For everyone’s safety and comfort, we set up temporary walls or plastic barriers that separate the work zone from your pet’s living space. This helps contain noise, dust, and keeps curious critters out of harm’s way.
6. Advance Notice of Pet-Sensitive Tasks
Some parts of the remodeling process—like using foam insulation or refinishing floors—come with strong odors or fumes. We notify homeowners in advance so you can make arrangements if your pet is particularly sensitive.
7. Safety Checks at Day’s End
Before we leave, our team does a thorough walkthrough, ensuring doors and windows are properly secured so even the most adventurous pets don’t slip out. We also confirm that no materials or tools are left in pet-accessible areas.
8. Daily Logs
Our Buildertrend app has a “Daily Logs” feature where our production team will make notes about what happened that day, and what’s coming up on your project. This helps you plan days where you might want to be home with your pets, or take them to another environment.
Pet-Proofing Tips for Homeowners
1. Friendly Introductions
Take a moment to introduce your pet to our remodeling crew. Even just a quick hello can help your furry friend recognize us as “friends, not foes.”
2. Treats and Positive Reinforcement
If you’re comfortable with it, provide small treats for our team to offer your pet. This helps build trust (and maybe a little tail wagging) during our visits.
3. Consult Your Veterinarian
If you know your pet is anxious or particularly sensitive to noise and change, speak with your vet before work begins. They may suggest calming techniques or medications to help your pet cope.
4. Plan a Pet Break
Consider a trip to doggy day care, the park, or a friend’s home during especially loud or busy construction days. This mini vacation from the action can be a huge stress reliever for pets.
5. Monitor Eating and Bathroom Habits
Pets often show stress in subtle ways, like a decrease in appetite or changes in their bathroom habits. Keep an eye on their routine so you can address any concerns quickly.
6. Create a Cozy Retreat
Setting up a “safe zone” far from the work area helps give your pet a comforting, familiar space. Stock it with food, water, toys, a litter box (if needed), and a comfy bed.
7. Soothing Sights and Sounds
Drown out construction noise by playing calming music or nature videos. Many pets find the gentle background noise reassuring and less startling than the sounds of drills or hammers.
8. Keep Doors and Gates Secure
During construction, doors and fences might be opened more often. Double-check that gates latch properly and use baby gates or pet gates indoors to keep pets contained and safe.
Why We Go the Extra Mile
Pets aren’t just animals in your home—they’re part of the family. We believe a successful remodeling project should result in a beautiful, functional space for everyone to enjoy, including your cherished companions. By prioritizing cleanliness, air quality, and careful scheduling, we do our best to ensure Fido or Whiskers feels safe throughout the process.
If you have any specific concerns about your pet’s comfort during an upcoming remodel—or if you’d like us to tailor our approach even further—just let us know! We’re always eager to collaborate on creative ways to make your remodeling experience as positive and stress-free as possible.
Ready to Remodel with Your Pet in Mind?
Contact J.S. Brown & Co. today to learn more about our pet-friendly remodeling practices or to schedule a consultation. Together, we’ll create a home that’s comfortable, beautiful, and safe for every member of your family—human, furry, or otherwise!
More information:
Pet Inspiration for Remodels https://www.pinterest.com/jsbrownco/pets-make-a-house-a-home-inspiration-board-by-js-b/
