Many homeowners would rather build their houses from the ground up than buying pre-built homes. While this can take longer and necessitates extra work, it also means you can create a home that matches your vision. Building a house will require that you make a number of choices about design and function, and those choices are even more crucial for families with young children. Making sure they have space to play and a safe environment to live in should be two of your top priorities when you begin the home-building process. If you’re considering building a home in the future, read on for four tips that families with young children should keep in mind.
1. Consider an open floor plan.
Fewer walled-off spaces will enable you to keep a close eye on your child at all times. An open kitchen is a particularly good idea, since you want to be able to watch your kids while you’re cooking without having them in the kitchen with you. Kitchens are full of hazards for small children, and it’s often a good idea to invest in child-proofing cabinets and drawers.
2. Create space for your kids to learn and play.
Many people don’t take their children’s needs into account when designing their homes. Consider finishing the basement or using a bonus room to create a playroom for your kids. Having a playroom for your kids at home is especially useful if they require childcare. A babysitter or a nanny will always know where to find toys and games, as well as having a dedicated place to spend time. Even if you don’t have an entire room, try to find somewhere you can give them a space of their own.
If you plan to send your child to a daycare or preschool, you should also make sure you find one focused on supporting their growth, like this center for childcare in Fairfield. You can even talk to the teaching staff about how to continue your child’s development at home. Buy books and puzzles that align with the curriculum and help your child be as prepared as they can be to start school.
3. Prioritize safety.
There are a number of simple design choices that will make your home safer for your children. Use rounded edges as opposed to sharp ones wherever you can and make use of fixtures like gates and railings that can help keep your child away from unsafe areas. If you have a pool or outdoor space, you should ensure that they’re safe for your kids, too. These features can fit seamlessly into your design plan.
4. Use durable materials and a quality construction company.
Kids can make a mess and tend to play pretty hard. This can be a challenge for families who live in a home built with materials that can’t withstand usage. Look for a reliable company like CMK Construction to handle your bathrooms and kitchen. You can talk to them about your needs and concerns before moving forward. Hard countertops that are easy to wipe down are a good idea, as are new cabinets that are easy to childproof. Find an expert who can help guide you through the entire process of building your perfect home.
Having kids will impact every aspect of your life, including the way you design your home. Meeting the needs of your entire family, including your children, is an essential part of the process. Safety and durability should be your primary concerns when selecting construction materials and creating a floor plan. You’ll also want to give your children a space of their own to work and play and fill it with toys and games that can support their early development. While there are a lot of considerations for parents who want to build their own homes, it’s more than worth putting in the effort to get it just right.
