Home renovation projects can change the feel and look of your old house and make it feel new. Common renovation tasks include flooring, painting, or even changing some items like faucets or knobs.

Now that you have made up your mind to give your home a makeover, it’s time to turn your concerns toward the safety of your family when the renovation starts. Here are seven safety tips you must follow while living in your house during renovation.

Make Sure Your Home Structure Is in Good Shape

Before you start renovating your older home, know the structure of your house inside out. This includes electrical lines, gas lines, load-bearing walls, water lines, etc.

You may have access to all the necessary information if you have your original floor plans. Otherwise, you will need to hire a structural engineer to determine the current structure and identify those lines. You must be weary of existential structural issues.

For example, during New Orleans home renovations the owner has to consider possible structural failures from previous water buildup due to rain or flood damage, since it rains a lot there. Such issues need to be handled with caution, as they can become a hazard during renovation.

Have a Clear Plan

Prepare a determined plan before starting your renovation project. Your project may lead to unsafe, expensive, and rushed decisions if you don’t handle the pre-construction stage properly.

This stage typically involves understanding the details of the construction of your house. With a detailed plan, you can potentially avoid dangerous mistakes and unwanted surprises.

Keep Your Work Site Clean

The work site must be clean and organized. All the tools and materials must be properly placed in one location as well as protected and labeled. Also, ensure a separate office area where all the paperwork and rules can be executed.

At the end of each renovation day, be sure to wipe down the walls. Do a dry dusing in case you paint the wall. Never forget to put away the ladders, nails, or drills once the work is done.

For carpeted flooring and upholstered furniture, make sure to vacuum. Mopping is a must for wood, tile, or linoleum flooring if you want to get rid of excess dust.

Plus, change your air filters when dust and paint fumes accumulate on them. with the new air filters, you will be able to breathe better.

Separate Your Living Space from Remodeling Zone

You may not renovate your entire house at the same time. This gives you the opportunity to stay at home during this renovation period. Separate your living space from the area where the renovation is happening.

Don’t allow your pets and kids to wander around the construction area. Also, ensure that all your construction materials are properly covered with sheets, and they are within a box.

Use Safety Equipment

If you are actively participating in the renovation, you must use your safety equipment. Here are some instructions you should try to follow.

  • Wear the right clothing that covers you from head to toe. Consider long-sleeved shirts, pants, gloves, socks, and closed-toed shoes.
  • During extremely hot weather, choose the type of clothing that is light, breathable, and can repel sunlight.
  • Protect your ear using earplugs or earmuffs when working with machinery or power tools. If you have children at home during the renovation, ensure they wear ear protection when such tools are used.
  • Safety glasses or goggles are crucial to protect your eyes when drilling, spraying, sawing, or working in direct sunlight.
  • Make sure everyone uses respirators or dust masks when the painting, sanding, or varnishing takes place.

Follow the Safety Tips

You must put safety first during renovation. Ensure that you have the right equipment and all of them are in good working condition. You also have to obtain the right permits and meet your specific city codes before you start.

Consider the following safety reminders as well –

  • Ladder Safety – To avoid ladder accidents, ensure the ladder is highly secure. Most construction ladders come with the ladder locking function, so make sure you use it to reduce lateral movement.
  • Electrical Safety – When you are dealing with electrical work, turn the power off and use electrical safety tools. Inspect all the plugs, wires, and cords before use, as when you touch any energized circuit, it may lead to electrical fires, shock, and explosions.

Never attempt to perform electrical work yourself if you are not a professional. Hire a licensed professional to get the job done instead.

  • Paint Safety – Painters are sometimes exposed to different types of hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, fungi, mold, and bacteria; fall and slip hazards, etc.

When you are painting, make sure the space has proper ventilation. You can use a fan or open all the doors and windows to limit irritation resulting from fumes.

Opt for eco-friendly paint, paint thinners, cleaners, and varnishes where possible. Consider VOC-free paint for easier breathing.

  • Roof Repair Safety – the height of the root itself poses a significant threat. Improper training, roof stability, weather conditions, ladder insecurity, etc., can lead to roof-related risks and hazards.

Don’t try to fix or change the roof if you don’t have professional training. Hire a professional roofer instead.

When weather conditions are unfavorable, working on the roof is unsafe. For example – while it’s extremely hot outside, you must not work in the heat; rather, you must stay in the coolest place in your home. Otherwise, it may cause heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

  • Flooring Safety – When working with your flooring, be sure to close off the specific areas so that your kids and pets cannot enter.

After completing your work, clear away the debris immediately and put the tools away. When it comes to installing a new carpet, make sure to install it properly so that it never comes loose and causes an accident.

Increase Home Safety after Renovation

The safety of your family members is your top priority, right? After your renovation project is over, you still need to add some important safety measures to keep your home and family safe.

  • Make sure all the safety items in your household, including motion detectors, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers, are in good working condition.
  • Install a security system such as an alarm system to bring you greater peace of mind. The mere presence of this security system can keep criminals and thieves away.
  • Mount your television on the wall. It not only frees some floor space but also keeps your kids safe from accidents.
  • Peep a hole in the main door to see who is knocking on the door.
  • Replace all broken or old locks with safer deadbolts.

Final Thoughts

When you and your family are ready to tackle these safety features, it’s time to start your home renovation project. Remember, planning and preparation will be your best defense in all renovation projects. As long as you plan everything carefully in advance, you will complete the renovation safely.