In our previous post, we discussed buying a house for a married couple. This time we want to tackle an even more sensitive topic – buying a kid-friendly house. Kids need safety, joy, and space. And in addition to this, your house should also satisfy some kid-related needs, such as a quick commute to school and kid courses. So, let’s discuss all these things one after another. If you missed the previous post about real estate purchasing tips for young couples, take a look at it. It is definitely worth it.
Make it safe
Well, the first your concern should be the safety of course. Kids are very energetic and playful. They can easily forget about being cautious, and hence it is your responsibility (as a parent) to make sure that they won’t hurt themselves in your new house. Whether you are buying a flat or a house, consider these safety tips for the rooms:
- Make sure that all chemicals (cleaning products) are out of a kid’s reach. If you tend to store potentially dangerous products in lower cupboards, then invest in latches and locks, and always check that these doors are securely closed.
- Make sure that all windows and the balcony have special cords and lockers that are always closed and out of the baby’s reach.
- Soften all edges (tables, chairs, cupboards, etc.) using special soft corners and bumpers.
- Remove all breakable objects out of the kid’s reach.
- Fasten all furniture to the walls so as to avoid the situation when a kid pulls the heavy piece of furniture over themselves.
- If you have a two-storeyed building, install baby gates to prevent toddlers from climbing and falling, or opt for a one-story building instead.
If you are buying a house, you will also have to think about the security of the outside part of your property.
- Think about fences as they don’t let your kid enter the road. Sometimes you will have to contact the homeowner’s association to get permission to put a fence. And never take a house that can’t have it. The fence is protection not only for your kids but for your dogs and cats as well.
- Choose areas that have low traffic and don’t face supermarkets as the chances that there will be cars are way higher.
Make all bedrooms on one floor
In some houses, you can see a nursery placed on the second floor, while the main bedroom is on the first floor. In the end, you will be running up and down if your kids catch a cold or just have problems with sleep.
Get a good view of the backyard
Kids are playing in the backyard, while the mom is cooking or cleaning. This is a popular scenario and hence it requires a good view of the playground. You need to be able to watch whatever they do while playing in the sandbox, having fun on the swing, or splashing in the pool.
Think about cleaning in advance
Kids often mean a lot of mess. So plan your interior to make it faster to clean. Avoid carpets because they collect dust, and be careful with laminate because it can’t resist water. Use special safe paint on the walls or wallpaper that can be washed.
Find a house that has a school nearby
Even if you just plan to have kids in the future or your kids are yet too small, still consider school districts. You need to check the quality and reviews on the schools as well as the convenience of commuting there. Consider how long it takes to take your kid to school and back home. Otherwise, you will be very stressed in the future trying to coordinate your work and your kids’ classes.
Choose kid-friendly neighborhood places
If you are planning to have kids in the future or your kids are very small, pay attention to how the neighborhood is equipped for playing. Ideally, you need to have a park and a playground to have walks and play. Unfortunately, today it is way easier to find a house close to a supermarket and a pharmacy (they are everywhere) than a good playground or sports ground near your place.
If you have your own house, consider building a kid-sized treehouse or a playhouse on your territory. Kids like to spend time outdoors and having a nice playground on your own territory will let them enjoy their games while still being under your close surveillance.
Whether you are planning a child or already have one, it is important to consider all the kid-friendly features before buying a house or a flat. We hope that the tips above will help you make the right choice. Good luck with finding a nice house for your family!