When you plan to remodel your home, several factors will need your attention. One thing to consider is the safety of your family throughout the construction process. By planning ahead and discussing safety with your fellow household members, you can reduce the risk of injuries during the construction phase.
1. Find New Living Spaces
Ideally, the best way to keep your family safe during a renovation is to vacate the home. You could stay with a friend or reserve hotel rooms if that’s an economically feasible option. If you must remain in the home, you should block off the areas under construction and make alternative plans.
For instance, when remodeling a kitchen, you should plan to prepare and eat meals elsewhere. You could even consider an alternate option when renovating a bathroom; it may help to rent a portable potty while the project is underway.
2. Know When to Call the Pros
During the planning phase of your home remodeling project, take the time to honestly evaluate your construction skills. It won’t save money if you have to call a professional construction contractor to fix the mistakes you make trying to do the job yourself.
When it comes to safety issues, keep in mind that a contractor will have the expertise and commercial equipment necessary to do the work safely. If the job is too big, getting help is the best option.
3. Protect Your Hearing and Vision
Staying safe in a construction zone requires more than simply preventing physical injuries. Construction areas are usually loud, and the air quickly becomes contaminated with dust and debris. To guard against these threats, make sure you wear safety glasses and ear protection while in the home.
When construction ends for the day, wipe down the duct registers and vents in your home. This will prevent your HVAC system from recirculating contaminants throughout the evening.
4. Discuss the Hours of Work
Another factor to consider as you plan to safely remodel your home is when the contractor’s workers will be in your space. It will be easier to keep your family safe if your contractor sets specific days and hours of work so you know when to keep your family out of the home.
5. Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Fires and exposure to harmful fumes are more common when a home is under construction. Even if your contractor isn’t working with the natural gas lines, the use of gasoline-powered tools in the home can lead to carbon monoxide exposure.
Additionally, there’s a greater risk of an accidental fire during construction. Common occurrences like an overheated tool, electrical short, or a poorly extinguished flame can cause a fire to start. Having the proper detectors in good operating condition will alert you to a problem before it spreads out of control.
6. Wear Approved Respirator Masks
When you hire professional contractors, they will have their own masks and safety gear. Make sure you have masks for your family to wear while they’re inside the home. The CDC recommends NIOSH-approved respirators to help prevent exposure to asbestos, drywall dust, and black mold spores.
These particles may get released during construction, causing or exacerbating conditions like asthma, COPD, and other respiratory problems. Keep in mind that this type of respirator will not prevent exposure to gasses or vapors.
7. Keep Children and Pets Out of the Home
Even if you stay in your space during a renovation, it’s important to keep young children and pets out of the home. Children and pets are more likely to injure themselves on construction equipment. They will wander into construction areas or accidentally fall on tools or boards and other common features of a construction site.
Additionally, exposure to dust and contaminants can have a more adverse impact on their health. In particular, lung damage may be more severe when a child is exposed to dust or fumes. In the long run, it’s safer to board your pets and plan for your kids to stay with a friend during this time.
Communication Is the Key to Good Safety
Finally, keep in mind that it is essential to maintain open lines of communication to ensure everyone’s safety during the construction process. As the head of your household, it will be up to you to make sure everyone understands the safety concerns.
Remain in contact with your contractor to learn about changes that might raise new safety issues. In addition, make sure to remind your family to stay alert and safe on a daily basis.