Most homeowners love the idea of home improvement projects—at least the part where they get to enjoy the finished product. A new kitchen. A spa-like bathroom. Or perhaps a backyard oasis with an outdoor kitchen.

But even the “fun” projects are easy to put off. Between the time commitment, the mess, the scheduling headaches, and the rising costs of materials and labor, it’s no surprise those Pinterest boards stay digital.

Which is why the less exciting stuff—such as basic home maintenance like fixing a small leak, dealing with slow drainage, or replacing aging systems—is even harder to prioritize. It’s not fun. It’s not flashy. And it rarely feels urgent…until it is.

According to a recent Forbes article, nearly three out of four homeowners (71%) have delayed a planned home project this year due to inflation, higher interest rates, and economic uncertainty.

So if you’ve been putting off some maintenance or repairs around your home, you’re not alone. Life’s expensive right now, and many households are rightfully being cautious.

But the article also warns that postponing certain types of work—particularly maintenance that affects the health, safety, or structural condition of a home—can come with serious consequences, both financially and otherwise.

What’s Getting Delayed…and What Shouldn’t Be

It’s totally understandable why homeowners gravitate toward projects that add visual appeal or everyday enjoyment. Who wouldn’t prefer dreaming about a kitchen upgrade or new outdoor entertaining area over replacing insulation or dealing with a crawl space?

But while it’s fine to daydream about the fun stuff, it’s the foundational items—literally and figuratively—that deserve attention first.

Unlike a dream kitchen or fancy tilework, many of these foundational fixes don’t need to follow trends or fit a personal design style. Their value is more universal to you as a homeowner, and to potential buyers in the future. Well-maintained systems may not earn compliments—but they’ll keep you safe and comfortable while you live there, and help prevent inspection drama and last-minute price reductions when you sell.

Yet, unsurprisingly, the Forbes article pointed out that most homeowners are prioritizing kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces when imagining unlimited budgets. However, the article also makes it clear that the bigger risk isn’t skipping an upgrade—it’s ignoring maintenance.

Here are some examples of issues that tend to be pushed aside but shouldn’t be:

• Small plumbing leaks or slow drainage
• Damaged or aging roof
• HVAC systems not functioning efficiently
• Electrical issues or outdated panels
• Cracked or shifting foundation
• Gutter and drainage problems
• Termite or pest issues
• Rotting wood or deteriorated siding
• Mold or ventilation problems

You don’t need to knock everything out in one weekend, and (thankfully!) not every item will apply to every home. But these are the kinds of things that, if ignored, don’t just sit quietly in the background—they get worse, more expensive, and far more noticeable during a home inspection.

How to Start Tackling Projects Without Getting Overwhelmed

The hardest part about dealing with home maintenance is often just figuring out where to start. When everything feels like it needs attention—and budgets feel tight—it’s easy to do nothing at all. But a smart plan doesn’t have to mean a massive upfront investment. It just takes a little strategy.

Begin with a walkthrough of your home, inside and out. Look for issues you’ve grown used to or have quietly ignored—things like water spots, sticking doors, loud HVAC cycles, or signs of moisture near windows. Then, sort what you find into three basic categories:

• Must-do-now: anything posing a safety risk, showing active damage, or impacting major systems
• Needs attention soon: aging or worn components that are functional for now but may not be for long
• Nice to fix later: cosmetic updates or minor annoyances that aren’t urgent

From there, you can tackle projects in phases based on your time and budget. If something seems big or intimidating, break it down. A roof replacement, for example, may not be in the cards right now—but a professional inspection and some spot repairs might buy you time and peace of mind.

When it comes to budgeting, a few smart moves can go a long way:

• Watch for seasonal deals or times when contractors are less busy—they’re often more flexible on pricing.
• Set up a small monthly maintenance fund—$50 a month may not seem like much, but it adds up and helps soften the blow of unexpected repairs.
• Bring in the pros when needed. Even a simple inspection (like HVAC or roof) can help you plan ahead, rather than waiting for a full system failure.

And don’t forget: your real estate agent can be a great resource, even if you’re not planning to sell anytime soon. Agents often know the go-to local tradespeople, understand what future buyers will care about most, and can help you prioritize with an eye on long-term value.

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. Tackling one issue at a time, with a little planning and some smart shortcuts, can help you stay ahead of bigger, more expensive problems down the road.

The Takeaway:

It’s easy to put off home maintenance—especially the unglamorous stuff. And right now, with higher costs and a lot of economic uncertainty, most homeowners are doing just that.

But ignoring small issues doesn’t make them go away. It usually makes them bigger. And when it’s time to sell, they’ll still be there—just more expensive and more likely to turn buyers off.

The smartest move is to take care of things steadily over time, starting with the most important items first. Your future self (and your future buyer) will thank you. And if you ever want help knowing where to start, your real estate agent is just a call away.

The post 71% of Homeowners Are Delaying Repairs—Here’s Why You Shouldn’t appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

The truth is, putting a price tag on how much a specific improvement will boost your home’s value is tricky and inexact at best. So while the idea of a project paying for itself may sound great, it’s often more a sales tactic than solid math.

If you’re being sold on the value-boosting benefits of a home upgrade, pause before you sign on the dotted line. Here are six things worth keeping in mind before you assume it’s going to pay off in the end:

1) But 15% of What, Exactly?

Those improvement calculators might be fun to play with, but they’re only as accurate as the data you feed them. That “15% increase” might sound impressive—until you try to pin down what your home is actually worth.

Market value isn’t fixed; it’s shaped by what buyers are willing to pay in your specific market. So the only way to truly test and prove how much you’d be improving the value is by actually selling it. And if you’re calculating a 15% increase based on a number pulled from an online estimate or a hopeful hunch, you might be stacking ROI on top of wishful thinking; those sites aren’t exactly known for their pinpoint accuracy.

2) ROI Rarely Means a Profit.

Sure, whatever the home improvement contractor is selling you might increase the value…but there’s a good chance it won’t improve the value as much as the project cost you.

There are studies done annually on which home improvements produce the greatest return on investment, and they reveal a surprising truth: the vast majority of them don’t even return 100% of the cost, let alone a profit. Even the ones you’d think would increase the value more than they cost to do (like kitchen and bathroom updates) usually fall short.

3) Don’t Expect Windows to Wow.

New windows might help your home sell faster—or keep a picky buyer from nitpicking—but they’re rarely the type of feature that gets hearts racing. Most buyers assume the basics (windows, roof, HVAC) are in good shape. So while replacing foggy panes or putting on a new roof might be necessary or make sense, it’s not likely to drive your price through the roof.

4) It Could Be an Over-Improvement…

It’s tempting to go all-out on luxury finishes, but if you’re in a modest neighborhood, buyers might not pay extra for that imported tile or full brick exterior. Your home still has to appraise, and buyers are comparing it to the house next door with vinyl siding and a fresh coat of paint. Upgrades that outpace the market can leave you holding the (very expensive) bag.

5) Some “Upgrades” Can Scare Buyers Off.

Take solar panels for instance… You might love the savings, but some buyers worry about aesthetics, maintenance, or being stuck in a long-term lease with the solar company. Instead of seeing added value, they may just see added complications. And if they’re turned off enough to walk away, your pool of potential buyers shrinks.

6) Your Real Estate Agent Is Your Reality Check.

Before you spend five figures based on a promise of future value, talk to your agent. They can tell you what’s worth it in your market—and what’s just marketing fluff. A good agent knows what today’s buyers actually want and what they’re willing to pay for. Trust them to separate the wise investments from the wallet drainers.

By all means, improve your home! Make it comfier, greener, or more beautiful. But if you’re doing it for value, make sure that “value” isn’t just marketing spin. Bring in your agent early, ask tough questions, and think twice before believing the hype.

The post 6 Things to Keep in Mind When a Contractor Promises a Home Upgrade Will “Increase the Value” appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

Some people are scared off by homes that need a lot of work, while others are brave enough to take on the challenge. And whether you decide to do the work yourself or hire a general contractor to manage the process, you’ll still have to go through the all-too-common stages of home remodeling.

So if you’re in the thick of a project (and a whole bunch of dust), just remember that you’re not alone. Here are the ten stages you should expect to go through when remodeling a home that needs a lot of work:

1. The optimism stage

“This won’t be so bad. Just a simple, one-month project. Out with the old, in with the new.”

2. The demolition/loud noises stage

It sounds (and smells) like a helicopter crashing through a Home Depot. And that’s before you try to rip out old flooring.

3. The finding out-it’s-worse than you thought stage

Good rule of thumb: there’s always gonna be something messed up behind a wall, or under the carpet, or above the ceiling, or…

4. The having-serious-doubts stage

Why didn’t I just go for the smaller, updated house…

5. The finally-completing-one-section-and-taking-photos-of-it stage

Progress! Snap a photo and post it to the ‘gram with the caption: “Still a lot of work to get done, but the new place is coming along! #homeremodel”

6. The realizing-you’re-way-over-budget-and-past-deadline stage

Just add twenty percent and two months to any estimate right off the bat.

7. The consider-selling-it-and-buying-an-updated-home stage

This is rock bottom, when you consider selling the half-finished home ‘as-is’, just to get out of it.

8. The week-when-there-finally-seems-to-be-a-lot-of-progress stage

Ahhhh, there’s an end in sight!

9. The last-hiccup-which-takes-forever-to-fix stage

It wouldn’t be a remodeling project if there wasn’t one nagging (but visually striking) piece that had to be custom ordered from Morocco.

10. The everything-is-done-and-it-was-totally-worth-it stage

But in the end, it’s always worth it. Everything is brand new and exactly how you wanted it.

The post The 10 Stages of Remodeling a Home That Needs a Lot of Work appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

An extra shower in the house can sound (and feel) like a luxury—especially when you’re hosting overnight guests or have a growing family.

But all showers are not created equal. While corner, stall, and walk-in showers save space, they may require that you make some sacrifices.

Whether you’re considering installing one in an entirely new bathroom, or just thinking about adding one to an existing half bathroom, consider some of the compromises you may have to make to get clean in tight quarters.

Space is at a premium

Even the trimmest bathers can feel as if the glass walls are closing in on them in a corner shower. A general rule of thumb for walk-in showers is that they should offer at least 36×36 inches of space. Anything less and you may feel a bit claustrophobic.

Standard prefab shower kits are popular because they’re affordable and don’t require a ton of space. They typically range in size from 31×31 inches up to 36×48 inches.

Before you commit, find a showroom with models that you can step inside, and see if there’s enough area for you to feel comfortable while you shower. But don’t just step in, pretend you’re showering…
Will you be able to reach…everything?

Consider if you can bend and stretch comfortably.

• Will you be able to shampoo your hair without your elbows banging into the sides?
• Can you lather up all of your body parts the way you’re used to?
• Who doesn’t drop the soap from time to time? If you bobble a bar in your bathtub, it’s an easy retrieval. In a tight stall? Not so much.
• Will you be able to shave your legs or your face if that’s part of your daily ritual?

If not, you may want to reevaluate.

What about resale value?

It seems like having an extra shower would boost your resale value, right? Maybe so…maybe not.

Many homeowners feel like adding an extra shower will certainly add value. But it depends upon whether buyers will see it as useful. If you add a shower that isn’t going to be used by anyone, then the cost of adding one isn’t a sure bet for adding value.

So, for instance, if you are adding a totally new stall shower to a master bedroom that had no master bath at all, and the competing homes in the price range do not have one, then there is a good chance you’ll be adding value.

However, if you add a stall shower to a powder room off of the kitchen, or in the basement, it may not be something buyers envision themselves using all that much, and they may not see the value of having it.

As with any home improvement, do give thought to whether or not the amount you are spending will produce a return on your investment, and seek the advice of a trusted real estate agent for his or her insight.

But it doesn’t always boil down to making money on a home improvement. Sometimes the improvement is simply for your enjoyment of the home. So, if a stall shower is something that will improve your life, then go right ahead! Install and enjoy…after you’ve considered if it’s the right fit (literally and figuratively) for you and your home!

The post Should You Add A Stall Shower To Your Home? appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

Even if you don’t think you need the room in the near future, it’s nice to know that looming, just above your head, is an area beckoning to be transformed.

Don’t be put off by the vaulted ceilings, there are plenty of clever work-arounds.

Wondering how you can make the most of your walk-up attic? Take a look and get inspired.

1. Home office

Whether you work from home or just want a quiet spot to return emails or take a call, your attic can become the private office you need to be productive.

2. Bedroom

A bedroom on a separate floor can feel like a stunning retreat. A sanctuary, if you will. If there’s room for a bathroom, even better.

Adults aren’t the only ones who like an attic retreat! Kids can also love having a room that’s got some quirky angles!

3. Walk-in closet

Attics are known for their storage capabilities, but why not enhance this area so it feels like a boutique? Getting dressed in an elegant space may quickly become your favorite part of the day.

4. Playroom

If stuffed animals and toys have taken over the other rooms of your home, why not relegate them to one out-of-the-way space? Consider putting safety bars on the windows for peace of mind, and a video monitor for those moments when you need to leave the room.

5. Home theater

Grab a bowl of popcorn and queue up your favorite film in your home theater.

6. Music studio

Instead of the traditional garage band, lay down those tracks or create a symphony of sound in your attic music studio.

7. Game room

Pool, ping-pong, pinball? The possibilities for your attic game room are endless.

8. Gym

You can’t beat the convenience of a home gym. From cardio and weight training to your very own yoga studio, find the fitness routine you enjoy and build it out.

9. Workshop

Have a hobby that’s outgrown your lower levels? An attic workshop lets you enjoy your craft with room to spare.

The post 9 Inspiring Ways to Make the Most of a Walk-Up Attic appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

If you find yourself at home with a little extra free time, put it to good use by giving your place a facelift. There’s never been a better time to transform your home into a sanctuary. Who doesn’t want to dwell inside a cozy oasis where you’re safe from the stressors of the outside world?

Many of these home improvement projects may already be on your to-do list. Thanks to online retailers, the tools you need can be ordered easily and delivered right to your door.

Ready to get started? The following tasks will take your spaces from blah to beautiful and make your time indoors a lot more pleasant.

Paint

Whether you paint an entire room, moldings and trim, or even just the doors, a fresh coat of color brings new energy to your space.

Or, head outside for some fresh air and give your front door a coat or two of a new hue. Switching up the shade of your front door can boost your curb appeal and change your home’s appearance.

And, if you’re thinking of selling your home in the near future, fresh paint can go a long way in helping you get your house sold for the best price. But before you pick up that paint brush, you may want to take a look at Zillow’s guide to paint colors that’ll boost (or hurt) your sale price.

Wallpaper

Not ready to make a long-term commitment? Afraid you won’t be able to put wallpaper up on your own? Consider removable, peel and stick wallpaper (all available online) to add a little fun and flair to your space.

Deep clean

When you’re trapped indoors for a while, you may begin to notice some areas aren’t looking as fresh as they could. We’re not talking about just a surface clean. When you’re cooped up it’s the time to go deeper and focus on those important but often-overlooked spots.

Pull out your fridge and clean those coils, which will make your appliance function more efficiently. Give the inside shelves a good scrubbing with soapy water.

You may also want to take a look at your dryer vent and do a deep cleaning, which can reduce the risk of fire.

Don’t forget everyone’s least favorite—windows. Though they’re a notorious pain to clean, there’s no substitute for sparkling, smudge-free glass.

Declutter

It’s hard to imagine a home that couldn’t benefit from a little decluttering. Even if you’re well-organized, you may have a pile of junk mail. Go through it, and if you find yourself buried in catalogs, stop them before they have a chance to flood your mailbox by visiting Catalog Choice.org, which allows you to unsubscribe from catalogs and other unwanted mail.

As you’re making space in your drawers and closets, you’re bound to find some items you no longer need or want. Consider donating them. You don’t even need to leave the house to do so, thanks to websites like DonationTown.org and PickUpPlease.org. Few things feel as cathartic as giving your items to a good cause. But if you could use an influx of cash, consider selling items through an online marketplace.

Update your hardware

Give your doors and kitchen and bathroom cabinets a makeover simply by switching out the hardware. Don’t underestimate the way door knobs, drawer pulls, and hinges contribute to the overall look and feel of a space. This is a simple project that elevates a room without breaking the bank or requiring too much effort.

Install a new thermostat

Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature as the seasons change isn’t cheap. To cut down on your energy costs and save on your utility bills, consider installing a
programmable thermostat. Or, better yet, a smart thermostat learns your preferences and adjusts accordingly, ensuring you’re cozy without wasting energy.

Landscape

Sick of being inside? Head outside and get some fresh air while working those muscles and sprucing up your property. Depending on the season, you can cut back any dead limbs, weed, rake leaves, or plant a garden. If you don’t have much outdoor space, you can always start with an indoor herb garden. A pop of green enhances your environment whether you’re inside or out.

So, whenever you find yourself with some extra time at home, you have plenty of little improvement projects you can tackle. Just prioritize your tasks and get going. Then, sit back and enjoy your newly-improved space.

The post Home Improvements You Can Tackle When You’re Stuck At Home appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

Real estate agents see pet doors all the time. But more often than not they’re put into doors that go outside, or maybe to the basement. So, Tampa agent Kristen Brown and her buyer clients were pretty surprised when they saw one that looked like it went into a closet in the middle of a house they were touring…

Where in the world did this lead to? The basement? Only one way to find out…

When they opened up the bottom part of the door they found a purrfectly private place for a litter box. Not only does it give the cat a little privacy, but it hides the litter box from sight. And the vinyl tiles on the floor and wall help make keeping it clean a cinch.

But the real brilliance is the exhaust fan installed on the back wall. What a great way to help keep the smell down in the house!

So, whether you’re selling or not, you might want to treat your kitty to its own closet.

The post “Kitty Closets”: A Unique Way To Conceal Your Cat’s Litter Box appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

Even if you have little time, or don’t have a green thumb, you can still have beautiful, lush greenery in your home. You just need to know what plants to look for.

Here are 8 easy-care houseplants you (probably) can’t kill.

1. Maidenhair Ferns

Pretty, frilly, and hard to kill, Maidenhair Ferns are pretty much the ideal indoor plant. Add a couple in your living room or dot them around a bookshelf for a bold-yet-boho look.

2. Air Plants

These are SO hard to kill, you might even wonder if they’re alive to begin with. They have a spiky, weird, otherworldly look that adds a nice sci-fi feel when in a funky planter, or a nautical vibe when grown on driftwood.

3. Aloe Vera

Ahhh, every home medicine advocate’s favorite. Not only is this plant easy to care for, it’s super useful, too. Got a sunburn? Aloe vera. Upset stomach? Aloe vera. IRS is after you? Aloe vera. OK, maybe not so much on the last one, but you get the point. You need this cool plant in your life.

4. Basil

Speaking of useful, basil is a great plant to have around the house. You can add basil to your sauces, or bruise a leaf and drop it into your cocktails. Trying to impress someone? Put a basil leaf on top of their food! (Just not on, like, Cheerios. That’s weird.) Best of all, you can forget it’s around for a couple days and water it when you remember. It’ll come back again and again.

5. Snake Plant

Snake plants are durable and thrive in a pot, so you won’t ever have to worry about it when you’re leaving on a trip. Important note: This plant is toxic to pets, so keep it far out of their reach.

6. Monstera

Forget about the trendy plant du jour fiddle-leaf figs; they’re expensive and hard to care for. Instead, double down on Monstera. This easy care plant is also having a trendy moment and it gives your whole pad a Palm Springs kinda vibe. (Who doesn’t want that?)

7. Devil’s Ivy

Even the worst gardener in the world can keep this plant alive! Just water it once in awhile and it will reward you by cleaning toxic carbon monoxide out of your air.

8. Rubber Plant

Talk about handy! This little guy (who can grow up to 10 feet, actually) is one of the best plants for removing toxins from the air AND you still can’t kill it — even if you live in a colder climate or like to keep your house at a brisk 68 degrees. Give your rubber plant a name and voila, you’ve got a new best friend that you barely have to do anything for.

Now that you’re armed with this info, you can head down to your local nursery and get an armload of greenery to spruce up your place.

Don’t forget to share this article with your plant-killing friends. They’ll appreciate you every time they inhale their fresh, plant-cleansed air!

The post 8 Houseplants You (Probably) Can’t Kill appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

It’s not quite your style. But with all the money you just dropped on closing and moving and new furniture, you don’t have a lot of cash to spruce it up.

Or, maybe you’re just about to sell your house and you wish you could spruce it up a bit before putting it on the market, but you don’t want to spend a ton.

Basically, you need a lot of look for not a lot of dough, right?

Don’t worry! These quick and usually DIY upgrades will make your home look and feel like a million bucks (for just a tiny chunk of change).

You can upgrade your home’s style with these easy projects.

1. Remove The 90’s Ducks

Maybe your home doesn’t have literal country blue ducks all over the kitchen, but if you have an older home, chances are good there’s some equally cheesy decor hanging around. Just taking out the cheesy badness of decades past — by removing the wallpaper or covering up the hokey paint — will make your home look and feel much fresher.

2. Get Rid of Grime

Take a close look at the surfaces that often get ignored. Places like the base molding and window sills often have a layer of grime that needs to be removed or even repainted. Get your elbow grease on and try a Magic Eraser on these surfaces. If that doesn’t work, fresh caulk and a new coat of bright white paint will go SO FAR to making your place look bright and clean again.

3. Paint!

A new coat of a light, neutral paint will make any room look and feel invigorated.

Not sure what to choose? Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige works just about anywhere if you like neutrals. Not into beige? That’s ok. Agreeable Gray is a great cooler neutral, and Alabaster is the perfect white-but-not-TOO-white.

4. Highlight One Wall

If you’re already working with a neutral palette, you can add in some personality and pizazz. Add an accent wall in a fun spot like your breakfast nook or powder bath and really go all out.

You can use wall stickers or removable wallpaper for a low commitment look, or go simple and slap on the paint. Just this one simple addition will make you smile whenever you walk in the room.

5. Add Art

Adding art to your home is a great way to add style. But not just any art…

Add some large scale art that you LOVE.

What does large scale mean? Well, think of the biggest piece you have, and then find something bigger. If you LOVE it, it belongs on the wall, and a big piece will set the tone for an entire room. This doesn’t have to cost a fortune, either. You can get great pieces at Living Spaces or IKEA for around $100.

Want to spend a little more? Scroll around Instagram. You can find fantastic original art there AND you’ll be supporting small business owners. Win / Win.

6. Show The Ones You Love

When you’re moving into a new place, it can be a little unsettling. Nothing will bring a sense of home like the faces of your loved ones. You can add professional portraits if you like, or you can share your happy memories of more candid moments in a big ol’ grid like the one below.

Again, this doesn’t have to break the bank. Mixtiles will ship you ready to hang photos for $12 apiece (sometimes even less)! Best of all, these babies don’t damage your walls, and they can be moved again and again.

7. Change Out The Faucets

Now that we’ve fully addressed the walls, let’s turn our attention to other areas. Those “crystal” faucets? They’ve got to go.

Luckily, replacing them is a pretty easy project AND you can get some much better looking alternatives at your local Home Depot. This super simple faucet is a huge upgrade… and it’s less than fifty bucks! Watch a couple of YouTube videos, break out the wrenches, and kiss those acrylic cheapies goodbye.

8. Swap Out Light Fixtures

Now we’re getting a little more technical. if you don’t have a ton of knowledge in this area, you might want to bring in a pro. Don’t worry, though. You can find an electrician who will give you a reasonable rate for this task, and if you’ve got a couple lights to replace, they can help you with all of them at once.

No matter who does the installation, you can find great looking lights to replace the brass builder basics. This alone will make a huge transformation in your space!

9. Change Your Light Switches, Too.

While you’ve got the electrician there… (or if you’ve decided you can DIY), change out your switches and outlet covers.

There are so many options nowadays; there’s no reason to have yellowed, cracked switches. Also, the sky’s the limit on this. You can stick with simple new plates or you can add dimmer switches or switches with smart features.

10. Bring The Outdoors IN!

Adding plants brings a vibrant, happy energy to any room, and they can be super cheap, too.

So, head on down to your local nursery and stock up on succulents and shade lovers.

There you have it — some great ways to spruce up a house on the cheap. Which one will you try first? Fair warning: Once you get started, it’s kind of addictive. You might wind up the next Bob Vila yet.

The post 10 Ways To Upgrade Your Home’s Style…Without Breaking The Bank appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

Dogs are loyal, sweet, and the best companion anyone could ask for. They’ve been living paw-in-hand with us for thousands of years. They’re part of the family and they stick with us through whatever’s going on in our lives, so we wish we could have them in our lives forever!

But our best friends are not invincible. One of the worst things that can possibly happen is when they get into something they shouldn’t and it makes them ill—or worse.

Now, you probably already know about a few things like chocolate and grapes that are harmful for pups….

But you might not know about all of these.

Check out these Common Home Improvement Items That Are Dangerous For Dogs so you can puppy-proof your pad for good:

Inside

Batteries – You need to keep these on hand for everything from the remote control to your smoke alarms, but you’ve got to keep them away from Lulu. When ingested, batteries can cause a whole host of issues including ulcers. Keep them in the garage where little paws can’t dig them out.

Outside

Cocoa Mulch – This popular bedding material smells good to our puppy pals, but the results can be disastrous. Cocoa mulch contains theobromine which is the same poisonous-to-pups ingredient in chocolate. It can be downright deadly if ingested. Think of Chester and stick to pecan mulch instead.

If your doggo gets into any of these items, head to your local vet ASAP or call the ASPCA’s Poison Control Hotline to get help.

The post Common Items In Your Home That Are Dangerous For Your Dog appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.