Are you expecting a baby? It can be an exciting and fun chapter of your life, but it’s best to consider your baby when visiting display homes if you’re also looking for a house. As you know, display homes are the fully-furnished, ideal way of decorating a house. Although there are rare instances in which a display home comes with decorations suitable for a new family with young kids, you may not see them often.
So, while having a tour of display homes, you should prepare what you want to see. For instance, you can make a list of the features that the display home should have. In this article, we’ll discuss some things you should look for in a display home when expecting a baby.
1. Check the Layout
One of the first things potential buyers see when visiting display homes is the layout. If you think there are parts of the house that can be turned into a nursery or space for the baby, then it’s worth considering. However, keep an eye on the hallways and the open spaces, and assess whether strollers and other baby stuff can fit.
Meanwhile, if the layout of the house looks like babies and children can’t be safe, look for other options. The next time you enquire, inform the real estate agent that you’re expecting a baby, so they know what to recommend.
2. Plant a Room to Grow
Although the priority when checking out display homes is to find a space for a nursery, you should also think about the future. You’ll have a baby soon, but it doesn’t stop there, especially since babies grow up fast, and the next thing you need to worry about is giving them their room.
Additionally, if you’re planning to have more kids in the future, the house you’re going to buy should have enough space for home extensions and renovations.
3. Nursery Location
Where should the nursery go? Usually, new parents set up the nursery in the master bedroom or the nearest secondary room, so that parents can easily take care of the baby. So, when visiting, ensure to look out for an ideal space that you can turn into a nursery.
If you’re planning to set up the nursery in the master bedroom, there should be enough space for the parents, the crib, and other stuff. On the other hand, if the nursery is in the other room, there should be a baby monitor, a camera, and other things that can help you watch out for the baby.
4. More Storage
Babies need a lot of stuff, such as diapers, milk, clothes, a hamper, toys, and other baby things. So, when looking for a new home, it’s best to consider as much storage space as possible. In addition, storage shouldn’t be just in the baby’s room; it should also be in the entire house.
With a baby coming your way, you might spend more time attending to the baby’s needs, so you might not have enough time to clean the house. In these cases, you should have enough room to put stuff into, so you can still move around, and just clean the storage spaces once you have time.
5. Sufficient Outdoor Space
It’s also healthy for the babies to go out once in a while. Although they don’t necessarily need to lie down or crawl on the lawn, they need to be exposed to other environmental elements to be immune.
So, when expecting a baby and looking for your future home, consider having enough space outdoors where you can spend time at weekends, and it can be a great space for a toddler to play. Of course, even if it’s outdoors, you still need to baby-proof the outdoor space for additional safety precautions.
6. Future-Proof Features
Since babies can’t express how they feel, ensure that the house, or at least the nursery, is comfortable every minute of every day. Besides, they need to sleep, eat, and do baby things, so providing the best set-up is crucial.
When observing display homes, ensure that the structure of the house can cater to your baby’s needs. It means you should be able to install energy-efficient appliances, the house has enough natural light, and there’s climate control.
7. Safe Materials and Finishes
Aside from the structure, foundation, and available spaces in the house, you should also consider the finish and materials used. Some of the essential things you should consider include rounded countertops, soft-closed cupboards, low-volatility organic materials, and non-slippery floors. Of course, you can also have the house renovated, but if you’re staying on your budget, things should already be made based on your needs and preferences.
Final Thoughts
Looking for a new home while expecting a baby can be complicated, especially since there are a lot of things to consider. By including the things listed in this article on your list, you have a better understanding of the things to focus on when visiting display homes.
