If you are expecting a child or are in the process of planning your pregnancy – be patient, it can take a long time depending on your situation –, you’ve probably considered the actual cost of having a child. It doesn’t matter how much you love your kids: being a parent can be expensive. In the UK, the cost of raising a child from birth until the age of 21 is estimated to reach the incredible sum of £230,000. However, more and more future parents create a childcare budget. Some even start saving for the university as soon as their child is born. In other words, they work to spread the cost over an extended period. However, it’s fair to say that there are other costs associated with parenting. Your home, for instance, might need to be upgraded to become a safe and welcoming nest for your baby. Many tenants choose to become homeowners as the family grows, so that they can make all the necessary changes. What is the home budget that new and future parents need to be saved to finance all essential improvements for their baby?
Safety first
If you’re in the process of looking for your perfect family home before the birth of your child, it’s fair to say that your priority will be to ensure the safety of your family. Consequently, you need to be especially careful concerning the location of the property. A home that is not accessible through public transports or that is too close to the road can prove challenging when your child grows and is in age to go to school. Additionally, the type of building is equally important. Small and cramped places are more prone to domestic accidents.
Last but not least, childproofing your home is, thankfully, a simple and affordable investment. You can find corner protections for under £10 on www.amazon.co.uk. You will also need child barriers and socket covers for toddlers.
How hygienic is your bathroom?
If you live in an old property, you might want to consider a bath remodel project before the birth of your child. Indeed, old bathrooms become a welcoming environment for mould, especially if they accumulate moisture and dust in areas that are difficult to access. As a rule of the thumb, an entirely new bathroom would cost around £4,500, including installation by a professional and the purchase of units from online retailer www.drench.co.uk. For hygiene purpose, it is recommended to pick units that facilitate cleaning access, such as a freestanding bath.
A new bedroom that doesn’t break the bank
Last, but not least, you will naturally need to prepare the nursery room. On average, future parents spend almost £4,000 on the baby bedroom, making it the most expensive bedroom in the house. However, you can curb your investment by using second-hand items when and where you can. The furniture doesn’t need to be new as long as it is in good condition. For bedding and electric equipment, however, you should buy new and unused items. Clothes can be second-hand if they’ve been washed and disinfected. When you’re a parent, you naturally want the best for your baby. However, be careful not to spend more than you need to on the preparation process. While you can’t compromise on quality and safety, you don’t always have to break the bank.
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