Renovating or updating your home can be a satisfying endeavor – particularly if you are customizing it to fit your specific needs and wants. Depending on the type and amount of work you are having done, the cost outlay could be substantial.

If you’ve been considering a home renovation – regardless of whether the job is large or small – you likely have an idea in your mind regarding how you want the finished project to look. But before you hang the new drapes or arrange the new living room furniture, there are some important steps you should take in order to better ensure a successful completion.

If your household includes two- and four-legged family members, you may be considering making more permanent – and comfortable – spaces for your furry friends. It is estimated that more than 60 million U.S. households have dogs, and over 47 million have cats – so it is no wonder that more of today’s home renovations are including features for their pets.