TO mark National Dog Day (August 26), Barratt Developments has highlighted the essential things to look out for when buying a new home with pooches.
From pet-friendly flooring to a spacious utility room, the below are five features that have earned the stamp of approval from Barratt Developments Scotland’s ‘chief barkitect’, Teddy the Pomski.
Suitable floor space for tail wagging
When moving in, especially with a dog or pet in mind, the home’s floor is important. The fear of them scratching or damaging the floor can add to future repair costs or lower the value of your new home, so having an easy to clean floor is essential. Consider the following types of flooring: pet proof carpeted (comfortable and ideal for naps), luxury vinyl (durable, waterproof and scratch resistant), laminated (affordable, easy to maintain and semi-scratch resistant) or engineered wood (warm, looks and feels great).
Barratt’s pet-friendly flooring, included in selected plots, is perfect for dogs of all sizes and personalities. Large and small dogs can walk without fear of making any marks or scratches to the floor and the wide hallways prove effective for tail wagging.
Spacious layout for multiple functions
Consider the layout of the home from your dog’s perspective, ensuring that there’s enough space for a feeding station and ample living space for the entire family and your furry friend to be comfortable. Large windows are great for dogs, providing plenty of sunlight and a perfect view of the garden for any bird and squirrel watching.
When moving in, it’s helpful to make them feel at home in their new environment with familiar scents. Putting their unwashed blanket into their new bed area can make the transition much smoother. Barratt Developments’ properties are designed with all of this in mind, with a dedicated cosy corner for feeding bowls and a bed.
Plenty of green space for energetic pups
Garden space is important, allowing for plenty of exercise and space for energetic pups. Ensure your new garden is secure before letting your dog off the lead, the surprise of a new big garden can make for unbound excitement. Opt for secure wooden fencing for safety and security of your four-legged friend. It also allows them the option of enjoying both the indoor and outdoor spaces as they please.
All Barratt Developments’ homes are built with secure wooden fencing and the option for an outdoor tap, permitting for easy access to hose down muddy pooches or for a fun afternoon on a hot summer day.
New neighbourhoods lead to new opportunities
Having access to different surroundings in the local area can add excitement to daily walks. A new neighbourhood means plenty of other dog owners, so it’s worth asking them for company or for any recommendations for places to go. It can also lead to some gems that you wouldn’t have discovered otherwise.
Many of Barratt Developments’ homes in East Scotland are located close to dog-friendly beaches. For example, David Wilson Homes’ St Andrews development benefits from the long, golden stretch of beach at West Sands which is a short ten-minute drive away. Meanwhile, Barratt Homes’ Kingslaw Gait development in Kirkcaldy offers scenic walks along the Fife Coastal Path which is easily accessible by car.
Kitted out cleaning station for messy paws
A separate area to clean your pup can help shield the rest of your home from mess. Cordoning off an area for cleaning or having a garage/utility room will reduce muddy paw prints or sand on the sofa.
In homes such as the Brechin, there is a kitted-out utility room which is easily accessible from the garden and is the perfect place for cleaning those sandy or muddy paws. A large sink allows for plenty of shaking space to avoid any soggy carpets.
Anne Ross, sales director at Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said, “We know how difficult purchasing a home can be when trying to make sure all the family’s needs are accounted for. With an increasing number of households owning a dog, our developments are specifically designed for everyone to be comfortable – and this includes four-legged friends.
“We are very pleased to hear that following his inspection, Teddy awarded our homes Five Paws for satisfaction. There’s no better approval than from a dog’s perspective.”
