What Dog Owners Should Replace Before Selling Their Home

If you own a dog and are thinking about putting your house up for sale, you might need to replace some things due to damage caused by your pet. Here, four things you should consider changing out if you want to increase your property value and possibly get a larger payout when it’s time to sell.

Even though the initial investment to have these items replaced might seem hefty, putting in the extra money can wind up paying big dividends in the end.

1. Carpet

Although your dog is house-trained, there still may have been some occasions when your furry friend used your carpet as a personal bathroom, and that might have caused underlying damage to the carpet.

In addition, pet dander, dog hair, dirt, and debris can be difficult to clean entirely, which can diminish the quality of your carpet. Replacing your carpet with a high-quality option can make your home more attractive to potential buyers.

2. Wooden floors

Do you have wooden floors in any part of your home? You’ll likely notice scratch marks from your dog’s nails upon examination. Modern, scratch-resistant wooden flooring is available, and that can help keep your floor looking its best until your home sells. Floors made out of bamboo, cork and laminate materials also are known to be good at withstanding pet damage.

3. Doors

Wooden doors, in particular, are susceptible to damage from dogs that might scratch them. When you opened certain doors on occasion, your dog may have rushed through them and bumped them hard along the way, which can cause even more damage.

Steel and fiberglass doors often make great replacements, or you can even choose a higher-quality wood. If you’re concerned about the cost of new doors, try looking for a provider that offers financing with no interest or payments for a given time period.

4. Shrubs

If you notice any shrubs that are in poor shape because of your dog, consider having them replaced to increase your property’s curb appeal. In large amounts, dog urine can kill shrubs and make the leaves look as though they’ve been burned. A dog digging frequently around your shrubs also can cause damage to the roots and shorten their lifespan.