5 Things To Put In Your House Now That Your Kids Will Thank You For

When your kids are small, it can seem like they'll adapt to just about any situation. As they grow older, however, their preferences take over. Having a house that can grow with your family means you won't have to worry about moving as they get older, unless, of course, you want to. Adding certain features now will help your house accommodate the changing needs of your family. While it may seem silly now, your kids will thank you later on.

1. A Whole House Water Treatment System

Clean and safe water is absolutely essential to a healthy and happy family. Adding a whole house water filtration system is a great way to ensure every faucet and fixture is up to snuff. Reverse osmosis is one of the best types of systems you can buy. it will ensure water is free from virtually all contaminants. Plus, since it also handles hard water, your clothes and dishes will rinse cleaner and there will be less buildup and residue. Of course, if that is beyond your budget, there are other systems that can also work. Talk to water system experts at a water heater company in Topanga to find the right treatment system for all of your family's water safety needs. While they are there, ask about how tankless water heaters can help stop daily arguments over who used all the hot water.

2. Solar Panels

There is a growing concern about the environment, especially among young people. Investing in renewable energy will give them peace of mind that they are going their part to help conserve resources and save the planet. In addition, it will keep utility bills in check, so you won't constantly be telling your teenagers to turn off the lights when they leave a room. That's a win for everyone involved.

3. Smart Features

There is no denying it, today's kids are used to technology in every aspect of their lives. That isn't likely to change anytime soon, either. Instead, it will probably only increase. Adding smart home features lets you accommodate their tech-dependent nature. A few of the most popular and beneficial smart additions you can add to your home include:

Wifi-enabled lights so you never have to come home to a dark house again

Keyless door locks so there is no more worrying about losing a key

Smart appliances like a refrigerator that will remind you when supplies are running low

4. An Inground Pool

Having a pool installed in the yard is a great way to keep your family active and engaged throughout the warmer months. If your budget can flex to accommodate an in-ground model, it will offer you years of use with only regular maintenance and upkeep. This way your kids will grow up having a place to hang out with friends, cool off and stay refreshed - and you'll know everyone is safe and secure.

There are a few safety factors to keep in mind if you decide to add a pool. For starters, most municipalities will have minimum requirements for fences and pool locations. As a general rule, pools should be fully enclosed with a fence. A tamper-resistant gate adds an additional level of protection. Special alarms that alert you if an object or person disturbs the water can help you feel even more at ease. Enrolling your children in swim lessons can also help reduce the risk associated with having a pool for them to enjoy.

5. Extra Closets

There is no denying that you'll need extra storage space for kids' toys, clothes and gear. If it's possible, choose a home design with extra storage space. That might be in closets, a basement storage room or an accessible attic area. Of course, extra storage space doesn't mean you have to keep every little childhood memento tucked safely away. Make a conscious effort to sort through items and donate the outgrown or unused ones.

What you do to your home today can help make it a more family-friendly space for years to come. Taking steps to ensure your family is safe, adding storage, thinking about recreation opportunities and embracing smart home technology and renewable energy are great places to start.