Remodeling your home is an exciting and rewarding process, but you want to ensure it’s done right and with safety in mind. Keep these tips in mind as you embark on your remodeling project! Here are eight safety precautions to take when remodeling your home.
Take Pictures and Videos Before You Start
Whether you’re planning a minor remodel or an entire do-it-yourself (DIY) makeover, take photos of everything. Use your phone to take pictures of the problem area. If you’re going to renovate, start by photographing any imperfections that may need attention. Include close-ups and include details such as cracks in tiles and paint colors.
Also, take videos of critical parts. These can be uploaded to your computer for easy access later on. The clearer your records are now, the less time you’ll waste fixing things after they go wrong down the road. It will also help your contractor later if they need more information.
Disconnect Electricity
To avoid electric shock, turn off power in your home at a nearby main fuse box or circuit breaker. After turning off electricity, double-check that all plugs and cords are disconnected from outlets. For gas line removal, please consult with a professional to do it correctly. Once you have prepared for safety, begin working on your home remodel project.
Wear Protective Gear at All Times
You don’t want to risk life and limb by doing DIY home remodeling without proper safety gear. So, wear protective eyewear and ear protection at all times—you never know when you might get a painful shard of wood in your eye or ear. In addition, wear gloves at all times to protect yourself from splinters and nails that may fall out of place as you work. If you aren’t sure what tools are safe for use around water, avoid using them until you research their safety ratings.
Work on One Section at a Time
One of the remodeling’s most significant dangers is its potential to cause accidents. To make sure that nothing goes wrong, you’ll need to be methodical—and careful. It’s best to work on one section of your home at a time, so you can monitor it carefully and make sure everything goes smoothly before moving on to another area. Be especially cautious when working with electrical appliances or other potentially dangerous equipment; never work alone and exercise caution at all times.
Keep Children Away from the Construction Area
Children often like to play in areas that are newly remodeled. Parents should ensure that children stay out of these areas when construction occurs, especially working with heavy machinery. Tools and equipment used for home improvement projects can be dangerous for children. If your home is being worked on, it is best to keep all toys and other items away from the construction area so that children will not get hurt.
Don’t Do DIY if You Have an Existing Health Condition.
If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, pregnancy, or other health conditions, avoid doing any remodeling work around your home. Not only can it be dangerous for you and those in your home if you’re not physically up to par, but it’s also illegal if you don’t know what you’re doing. It’s best to hire professionals for these jobs to prevent serious injury.
Get Help from Experienced Professionals
While you can handle much of your home remodel on your own, there are some projects you don’t want to start without professional help. Find a contractor specializing in your remodeling type to avoid costly mistakes and save time and money. Be sure to research contractors beforehand, getting bids from several before deciding. An excellent place to start is online review sites such as Yelp. Select a contractor based on price, work quality, and personal experience recommendations.
Remove Harmful Debris After the Job Is Done
Some of your remodeling debris can be hazardous, so it’s essential to make sure that you get rid of any leftover nails or wood chunks from when you pulled up old flooring. Or even more hazardous: asbestos and lead-based paint. If you have unknowingly remodeled with materials like these in your home, call a professional contractor to inspect for problems before using your space again.
To assure that your home is asbestos-free, we recommend having an inspector go through each room of your house before getting started with a remodel and getting asbestos tested. The last thing you want is to deal with an illness caused by exposure after all of your hard work! You could experience health problems later if left untreated.
If you’re looking to do some remodeling, make sure you read up on safety precautions before doing any work. The last thing you want is to have an injury that causes a permanent disability or disfigurement. It might seem like common sense, but even experts will tell you that many home remodelers overlook crucial home renovation projects. Before undertaking any project, consider these home remodeling tips.