Childproofing & Baby-Proofing on San Juan Island

The grandkids are coming in July. The stairs, the deck, and the bookshelf need to be ready.

Licensed & bonded
WA L&I #SANJUJI741OT
Insured
Locally owned in Friday Harbor

A lot of island houses were built or bought by people whose kids are grown. Then grandkids show up, or the house becomes a family rental, and suddenly there's an open stair, a deck railing with wide gaps, and a tall bookcase that's never been anchored to anything.

The most important thing on the list is anchoring. Dressers, bookcases, and TVs tip over, and they need to be strapped into a stud, not just screwed into drywall. After that it's gates: at the top of stairs, gates need to be hardware-mounted into framing, never pressure-mounted. I mount them into studs or add a backing board so they hold.

Then the rest of the house: cabinet and drawer locks where cleaners and knives live, window stops so windows can't open past a few inches, door knob covers or high latches on doors to the deck, and corner guards where needed.

Island houses have their own hazards. I check deck and stair railings for gaps a small child can fit through and loose balusters, and I'll tell you honestly if a railing needs repair rather than a net.

An island home with stairs and a deck among firs

What’s included

Anchoring dressers, bookcases, and TVs into framing
Hardware-mounted gates at stairs, mounted into studs
Cabinet and drawer locks
Window stops
High latches or covers on doors to decks and outside
Deck and stair railing check for gaps and loose balusters

What it costs

Most homes fit inside the standard $250 minimum visit, which covers up to two hours, then $85/hour in quarter-hour increments. Materials at cost plus pickup. Washington sales tax applies to the total. Full rate card. You can buy the products or I can pick them up.

Full rate card