Home Renovation and Remodeling Safety Tips To Follow

Each year, thousands of homeowners take the plunge into a DIY home renovation or remodeling projects. Installing new floor, tearing down walls, constructing new walls, adding trim, and painting are just a few examples of renovation projects. In addition to the functional benefits offered by these projects, they may also add real monetary value to a home. Before you go jumping head-first into a home renovation or remodeling project, however, there are some safety tips you should know.

Beware of Lead Paint

One of the most common dangers of home renovation projects is the the threat of lead paint. Exposure to this toxic substance can lead to anemia, neurological disorders, learning disorders, hearing problems, cardiovascular disorders, kidney failure, and central nervous system disorders. The good news is that lead was banned in the use of household paints back in 1978, but the bad news is that most homes built before the mid 70s contain lead paint.

Lead paint usually won't cause any serious health effects unless the particles are inhaled. Once a homeowner starts tearing down walls during a renovation project, however, the lead is stirred up and toxic dust is released into the air. This is why it's critical that homeowners living in homes built before 1978 have their paint tested for lead before performing any major renovation or remodeling project.

Check The Blueprints

It's not uncommon for homeowners to knock down walls without first checking the home's blueprints. However, walls may contain electrical lines and/or plumbing pipes. Before you take a sledgehammer to any wall inside your home, first check the blueprints to determine what (if anything) it contains. Hitting a water pipe with a sledgehammer could turn your otherwise simple renovation project into a costly nightmare.

Another reason why you should check the blueprints before knocking down a wall is because the wall may be labeled as "load-bearing." And knocking down a load-bearing wall leaves your home structurally unsound. Homeowners should only knock down partition walls to ensure their home is stable and safe.

Gear Up!

Of course, you should gear up in the right safety equipment when renovating or remodeling your home. Protective eyewear is a must when working with any power tools or equipment, and the right gloves are another key piece of safety gear that shouldn't be overlooked. Taking the time to gear up in the right safety equipment will make your renovation/remodeling project run more smoothly and without incident.