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10 Tips for Making Your Property More Kid-Friendly

Written by Posted On Monday, 18 November 2019 14:27
Kid-friendly homes. Kid-friendly homes. Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Families with kids make up a considerable portion of the real estate market, and even as people age out of this demographic, they gradually become older adults with grandchildren. So making your property kid-friendly is a reliable way to boost property value and appeal to a wide swath of potential buyers. When you’re deciding how to improve a home, go for options that will draw in families and will stand the test of time like good kitchen cabinetry over flashy ones like specialty hardware finishes. There are many ways to make a property more kid-friendly, from cabinet locks to entertainment options. 

Baby gates

For multi-story homes, or even single-levels, installing baby gates is an excellent way to help families picture themselves making a home in your property. And the most secure baby gates are hardware mounted, which means this is something you can install ahead of time for viewings. The top of stairs is an obvious location, of course, but also consider gates to keep kids out of the kitchen or an office space. 

Safe latches

Bringing a new kid into a home, or moving with a kid to a new home, inevitably comes with a number of safety considerations. Make it easier for prospective buyers with kids to feel confident in the space by installing safety latches on cabinets and windows. There are different types of cabinet locks, so make sure the ones you choose are easy for adults to navigate as well as being secure. 

 

Windows also benefit from child-proofing. Choose safety locks and consider extra features such as window guards, which will make windows more secure for babies and toddlers.

Media options

Kid-friendly properties aren’t all about safety. Despite all the research on screen time and infant brain development, parents still want access to wireless, cabled, and streaming media for their children to use at their discretion. A kid-friendly property provides access to several types of entertainment media in multiple locations. After all, even the best parents will occasionally want to park their kids in front of a movie out of the way so they can get something done. 

Fence

Assuming you have a yard (which will certainly boost appeal to families), make sure there’s a good fence, so parents feel more comfortable letting the kids play outside. Choose to fence with a smooth surface over wood or chain link, that does not include horizontal rails for climbing, and that is tall and at least partially open so it can be seen through. Make sure gate hardware is self-closing and latching, and think about the placement of latches, so they’re easy for adults but harder for young kids to reach.

Playset

An easy way to play up the appeal of outdoor space, even if the yard isn’t lavish, to families is to install a playset. This can be a great focal point for otherwise plain outdoor space and is a low-maintenance feature to keep kids entertained. Even older adults with grandkids might find the addition of a playset to a potential property appealing. When choosing a playset, think about durability and versatility, as it will likely be in use for a very long time and by children of different ages who want to play in different ways.  

Security system

No, it’s not all about safety, but there’s no denying security is a significant factor in making a property kid-friendly. Adults will rest easier the safer they think the kids are, so add a security system to your property. Rather than going with a basic system, choose one that integrates monitoring options so parents can keep an eye on their children when they’re away. Also, consider options that include motion sensors and window and door sensors, so navigating the home is easier for the kids even when security features are active. 

Big laundry area

Having kids means doing lots of laundry. Help make this task more pleasant for future homeowners by providing a generous laundry room or area. Consider installing larger machines and including built-in counter space—and, of course, cabinet storage. And if you have the option, don’t combine the laundry area with a mudroom or similar storage space: keep it dedicated so parents can keep it in order. 

Glossy paint

Glossy paint is significantly easier to clean than matte, so for families with kids, these walls will have more appeal. You can opt for either semi- or high-gloss. Glossy paint won’t rub off when it’s wiped clean, is more resistant to moisture, and gives a more vivid effect. And when you’re planning the color scheme, pay attention to what you choose for kids’ rooms; color can affect their behavior.

Safe staircases

The right railings and banisters help make stairs child-safe: they should be sturdy, with balusters close together so little ones can’t fall through. As with fences, railings should be vertical to prevent climbing and be at least 4 feet tall. With wood stairs, traction can be a problem (and not just for your kids!). Add non-slip pads or consider carpeting the staircases. And remember that staircases are the number-one spot to install baby gates. 

Big pantry

Even one kid greatly increases the food and non-food items a family will need to store, and with multiple kids, that increase becomes exponential. Make sure there’s plenty of storage space by not only installing good cabinets but also providing pantry space. If there’s no extra square footage available to dedicate, you can still improve kitchen storage by getting creative with existing space. For instance, pull out wire organizers might be a better use of cabinet space. Check out some other ideas for efficient use of kitchen storage space.

 

Making a property kid-friendly is about safety, yes, but it’s also about envisioning ways a family will use the space and designing it to be as comfortable, efficient, and fun as you can. 

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