Whether it’s your first child or your fifth, the arrival of a new baby into your home is always a life-changing event. Some parents may want to buy a new house to accommodate an additional child, but home remodeling is often a far cheaper solution. If you’re expecting, consider these five home remodeling projects to get your house ready for your family’s newest member.

5 Home Remodeling Projects for Expecting Families

1. Add a Nursery

Whether you’re changing diapers, playing with your baby, or trying to coax them to sleep, the nursery plays a central role. That’s why it’s so important to get it right. Make sure you choose a location close to your bedroom so that you’re within earshot and quick walking distance of your baby at night.

 Improving ventilation in the nursery by installing a ceiling fan helps air circulate. It also has a crucial safety benefit, since using fans to cool warm rooms has been shown to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

2. Remodel the Laundry Room

If you haven’t made any changes to your laundry room in a while, now is the perfect time to do so. Don’t forget that you’ll be doing much more laundry once your baby arrives. Installing a high-efficiency washer and dryer will help reduce your energy and water bills, and adding a folding area will make life more convenient. You also need to ensure your cabinets and other storage spaces are secured to protect your child from harmful detergents and chemicals.

3. Fix Your Flooring 

Over the next few years, your new child is going to spend plenty of time on the floor. Your home remodeling plans should take this into account. If you have damaged carpets, splintering wood, or dangerous steps, this is the time to address these issues. Put up child-safety barriers around your staircases, replace carpets in poor condition, and have damaged floors redone to ensure that your home is as prepared for your child as you are.

4. Control the Temperature

Home remodeling is about more than redesigning rooms. Whatever room your baby is in, it’s important to monitor the temperature. Temperatures above 82 degrees or below 65 can be dangerous for your child. Installing a smart thermostat makes it much easier to maintain a healthy temperature throughout the house and ensure your child’s safety.

5. Upgrade the Bathroom

The bathroom is an important location for any parent. If your bathroom is cramped or in poor shape, consider getting it remodeled before the baby comes. Install a large tub to make bath time easier. Also, you need to make sure it’s safe. Secure your cabinets with safety latches to keep your child away from dangerous cleaning products, and install anti-scalding devices for the sink and bathtub to keep your child safe from painful burns.

 

Preparing your home for a new child will make bonding as a family easier and more comfortable. If you’re ready to start your home remodeling now, consider the professionals at Up North Builders, Inc. in International Falls, MN. With over 20 years of general contractor experience, they can help you design the perfect home additions for your growing family. Schedule your free consultation today by calling them at (218) 285-3635 or visit them online.