Dogs are integral family members for many ICI Homes customers, so it’s important to consider Fido’s place when building or buying a new custom Florida home.

Fortunately, modern residential construction materials and designs make doing so easy. From streamlining supplies and maintenance, to ensuring pups of all ages are comfortable in their new home, there are many ways to accommodate Fido, and you.

Short on time? Here are the key takeaways.

Key Takeaways

Single-level homes offer safer, easier mobility for dogs of all ages, especially as they grow older.
Utility rooms can be customized with dog washes, storage for food and gear, and built-in spaces for beds and bowls.
Durable flooring options like tile and engineered wood resist scratches and messes better than carpet or glossy surfaces.
Outdoor living areas with fenced spaces and shaded lanais provide a safe, comfortable environment for pups to play and relax.

Here’s a deeper dive on the best type of house plans for dog owners.

Single-level homes

No matter Fido’s current age, it’s smart to think long-term. As with humans, Fido could deal with debilitating circumstances as he or she ages, and eventually might struggle with stairs.

That alone shouldn’t eliminate a multi-level floor plan if it’s a great choice for your household, but do add this question to your research list: who’s helping an aging Fido up and down stairs?

Utility rooms

It’s the most utilitarian space in most homes, especially for dog owners. Today’s new custom Florida homes can be customized for numerous pet-specific features in these spaces, commonly known as utility rooms, laundry rooms or mudrooms.

It’s where most of us wash and dry our household laundry, and now, our dogs! Forget tossing canines in bathtubs. Have your own dog wash installed in your utility room, complete with drain, spray hose and towel bar.

Other helpful components include pull-out bins for food containers, medicine and toys, and wall hooks for leashes and collars. It’s also a great place for Fido’s food and water bowls, not to mention a customized dog-bed alcove tucked out of the way.

Fenced-in outdoor living areas

ICI Homes communities include miles of trails and sidewalks for Fido’s exercise. At home, include him or her when you plan for your new outdoor living space.

Every ICI Homes floor plan comes with a covered lanai. Use it as a starting point for other features such as summer kitchens, back porches and pool decks. Also consider adding a fenced dog run for Fido to romp in, and a secluded place to do his or her business.

And, what fun to build a doghouse just for Fido!

Durable flooring

Fido’s paws come with claws, and scratchy claws and non-durable flooring aren’t a good mix.

Fortunately for potential ICI Homes customers who are dog owners, today’s flooring choices come in many materials and finishes that resist scratches, scuffing and all the gunk that dogs can bring inside your new custom Florida home.

Natural imperfections in heart pine and cypress flooring aren’t bad choices for dogs and owners, but consider the cleaning and upkeep of natural floors versus dirty and scratchy paws.

The same goes for carpet and glossy natural stone flooring. The latter can be an ice rink for Fido, whose skidding and traction struggles can scar those smooth expanses.

Instead, consider wood-look tiles, engineered wood, and harder natural woods such as oak.

Ready for your new custom Florida home? Talk to ICI Homes here.