Planning your home and not just your
renovations is very important. It is easy to get
very enthusiastic about changing parts of your
home. After all, there are tons of TV shows
that promote making major changes.
One of the first considerations, I would
suggest, is what stage is your family at. Are
your children toddlers or teen-agers? Think
about it, the home that is best for a toddler is
not so great for a teen-ager. Another thought
is, the teen-ager today is the college student
of tomorrow. When they actually do leave the
nest, will your home be the one you want to live
in?
Now if you have or are about to have a toddler
in your home, there are some basic safety
items to consider. Mount all of the electronics
and breakables at least 4 ft off the floor. Guard
all of your electrical outlets. One of the best
ways to do this is with twist and plug cover
plate. There will, of course, be the gates at the
top and bottom of all stairways. Another
thought may be heating your living room floor.
If your kids are between eight and thirteen,
putting a recreation room into you house plan
could be a great idea. Sounds proof that room
and the world will run smoothly. If at all
possible, get each child its own room. This is
the time they are finding themselves and
sometimes need to hide from everyone else.
Now thirteen to gone is a crapshoot. Hopefully
you have been talking to your kids and have a
true understanding of what will make your
home functional for your family dynamics.
Modify the recreation room and paint child’s
room.
If it is a family home, get family input.
