Who doesn’t love the idea of a newly renovated home? The smell of fresh paint, the sound of new floors being installed – it’s all stimulating. But as any seasoned home renovator knows, the process can be dangerous. You could easily slip and fall or injure yourself with a power tool.
Would you believe that a whopping 775,000 injuries in 2019 in the US were related to home improvement?
That’s a lot of people who spent their weekends in the hospital instead of at their friend’s cookout. And they might never look at home renovations the same way again!
If you want to avoid becoming a statistic, there are some things you can do to stay safe during your home renovation process. Let’s explore how you can keep yourself and your home safe during a renovation.
Have the Best Team for the Job:
You might think you can save a few bucks by doing the work yourself or hiring unlicensed contractors, but trust us – it’s not worth it. Hiring a licensed and insured professional team will give you peace of mind knowing that the job will be done correctly.
Some countries require general contractors to have a license to operate. Make sure to do your research and only work with qualified people.
Odessa, TX, for instance, following its building code, requires all contractors to be registered with the Building Inspection Office.
Not only will working with a professional team help avoid accidents, but it will also ensure that the job is up to code. If you’re worried that the team you chose may charge you extra for traveling to Odessa, don’t be, as many man camps are available.
You can easily find suitable accommodations nearby using an online search with the catchphrase “man camps in Odessa TX near me.” You will find a list of reasonable accommodations for your team close to the worksite. Make sure to book early to secure a spot!
Never keep safety on the backburner when it comes to home renovations.
Ensure your Home Structure is Secure:
Many houses have underlying problems due to previous flooding or water accumulation. These problems are not always visible but can reveal themselves during a home renovation. You might find cracks in your foundation or walls hidden behind wallpaper or paint. These cracks can cause your home to be unstable and at risk of collapsing.
For example, if you’re adding an addition, the new construction’s weight could stress the existing structure. It could cause your home to shift or even collapse.
You may even come across streaks of mold that could cause serious health problems if not dealt with correctly.
To avoid this, consult with a structural engineer before starting any work. They will be able to assess the risks and make sure your home can handle the changes you’re making.
Have a Professional Handle Electrical and Plumbing Repairs:
Do you know where the utility lines are in your home? If not, now is the time to find out. These lines carry water, gas, and electricity to your home. If they’re damaged, it could create a severe safety hazard. If you haven’t updated the electrical or plumbing in a while, your home might not be up to code.
Suppose you’re planning a major home transformation requiring electrical or plumbing work. Many home renovation accidents happen when people try to do this type of work themselves. In that case, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
Even something as simple as moving a light switch could result in an electrical fire if not done correctly. So, spare yourself the headache and call a professional.
Separate the Living Space and The Workspace:
When living in a home under construction, it can be tempting to try and save money by not renting a hotel room or apartment. However, this is not a good idea. It’s essential to have a safe place to sleep and relax that isn’t full of dust, fumes, and debris. Exposure to any such contaminant can cause severe respiratory problems.
You can build a cocoon or a temporary wall to separate the living and workspace. It will help minimize your exposure to construction materials and create a safe space.
We also recommend packing everything in boxes instead of covering them with plastic sheets. It will protect your belongings from dust and potential damage.
Wear the Right Gear If You’re Working with Chemicals:
It’s okay if you don’t want to hire a contractor. Nothing is set in stone when it comes to home renovations. If you have enough home renovation experience or are confident to take on the task, why not!
But, even if that’s the case, safety should always be your number one priority.
One of the most dangerous aspects of home renovation is working with chemicals. If you’re not careful, you could inhale toxic fumes or get chemicals on your skin. It could lead to respiratory problems, skin irritation, or even cancer.
When working with chemicals, always make sure you’re wearing the proper protective gear. It includes a respirator, gloves, and goggles. It would be best if you also worked in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling any fumes.
Check Your Safety Detectors and Have an Exit Plan:
Most homes are equipped with smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide detectors. But, during a home renovation, these detectors can quickly become covered in dust or debris. It can prevent them from working correctly.
Before starting any work, ensure all the safety detectors in your home are operational. In case a fire does break out, you’ll be informed immediately.
You should also have an exit plan to get out of the house quickly and safely. Having your floor plan handy can help with this. You must also keep the First Aid kit close by in case of any accidents. Always have fire department and poison control numbers on your phone.
Conclusion:
Home renovations take time and effort, they may be risky, and sometimes they don’t turn out the way you wanted. But, if you’re careful and take the necessary precautions, you can minimize the risks and have a safe and successful home renovation.
What helps is to be prepared for the worst and hope for the best. Start with doing your research on the type of renovation you want to do. Then, make a plan and budget for the project. Once you have all that sorted, you can start the process and cross your fingers that everything goes smoothly.