About to start renovation - questions!

[BreakdownInevitable]

We are about to start a much needed renovation on a late 70's bungalow - aside from being clueless, this is our one shot at getting it right. We have a profoundly autistic son, and need to get it right for him - we'll need external locks on interior doors (he likes to use toilets as a paddling pools & climb kitchen cabinets like a spider monkey) - so trying to find a solution that doesn't make it look like we live in fort knox would be great.

I would love any advice on the hardest wearing floor options - carpets downstairs are out, because our son loves to throw drinks/ any liquid to hand. I need to be able to mop - can I do that with laminate or should I be looking at vinyl?

We also need to think creatively about mounting the TV - and keeping any shelving high/ away from furniture, to prevent him climbing.

I am incorporating a playroom for him to include an indoor hammock/swing, light projectors, soft play equipment.

Any tips on how to create a low maintenance house with hard wearing features would be appreciated.

For flooring I would look at marmoleum or luxury vinyl like amtico. They are pretty much indestructible. Laminate will warp if it gets too wet although if stuff is suitable for bathrooms it might be ok.

With cupboards, get built in as much as possible and make it so that it will take his weight so if he does climb, at least it will be safe.

Theoretically, occupational therepy home adaptations team at your council should be able to come and help advise you but no idea if you could actually get hold of them?

We have installed Swedish bars style climbing frame so my son can climb somewhere safe.

I would suggest not too much open plan so you can keep him away from humming fridges etc if they cause problems. Also we have built an en suite for our autistic ds as he has continence issues and isn't always a kind sharer! His sister's appreciate that one a lot!

I might also consider extra soundproofing in his bedroom if he likes audio books at the volume my son does!!!

Would a projector instead of a TV in the living room be easier to keep out of reach? You could put some solid housing around it and less likely to get splashed / pulled down?

This company do rubber and vinyl flooring in interesting or pleasant colours you don't really see elsewhere... Can recommend them as haven't used them yet, but got my eye on the yellow for a play room.

https://www.colourflooring.co.uk/collections/free-samples/material-vinyl

Suppose the actual link would help. 😆