Safety First: 5 Things to Think About Before Remodeling
Make It Well Lit
A lot of times accidents could have been prevented if only someone knew what they were stepping on or walking into. So to make sure none of such things can happen at your place, make the whole construction site well lit. This means installing lighting at night all around the place. Think: where are you usually walking coming home, or taking the garbage out? What about going to the garage or backyard to fetch something? The terrain can be bumpy, or there might be nails on the ground. By installing good lighting you’ll be able to see where you’re walking and avoid anything that can do you harm. Apart from that, good lighting is always a plus when it comes to potential burglars breaking into the house. The fewer shadows – the less chance for someone to hide.
Keep the Tools Away
Good construction workers will try their best to not leave anything behind, but mishaps can occur here and there, and this is especially dangerous if there are kids in the house. Children love toys, and above all, they are curious beings who love everything that looks like it could be used as a toy – so a tool poses a real threat, as it can seem interesting enough so they want to play with it. Tell the contractors to not leave power tools at your place overnight – or at least not plugged in and within reach, if it’s too much of a hassle to bring them and take them away every day.
If jobs are large and happening all over the place, a good idea is to have a tool gathering at the end of the day. If the tools are definitely staying at your place overnight, ask the workers to collect them and put them in one designated, secure place out of reach of the little ones. The workers themselves will benefit from this as there will be no issues over who left what where, but the more important thing is, no child will find a tool somewhere on the site and wonder what the button does.
Keep the Construction Site Isolated
This is an even better idea to prevent children and pets from rummaging around the rubble. This will prevent them from accidentally hurting themselves, or running into a worker. Isolate the construction site by installing temporary barriers systems, or temporary fencing. These portable fence panels will prevent little ones from stepping onto the area where they might get hurt. They also signal to everyone else that the area is shielded for public safety. Safeguarding the site, but also passersby, this is an ideal solution for ensuring safety, but also because it can be easily removed once the work is done.
Change Your Family’s Habits
This will require some planning and talking. What are the areas being renovated, what do you use them for, and how do you plan to replace them? Make sure everyone is on the same page and knows what they should be doing. You will obviously have to get used to changing the way you use your home and teach your children to follow in your footsteps. Sometimes this means teaching your spouse not to cut corners! If the remodel is focusing on an area you use every day, work together with the contractor to set up alternative areas that will fulfill your needs while the work is being done. Hopefilly, of it is a bathroom, you have anther to use. If it’s the kitchen, set up a temporary kitchen in an extra room, or a garage.
Make sure you always, always use it for everything you usually use your kitchen for. That means no going to the old kitchen to grab some tools! If you’re relaxed about it, kids will follow, and that’s the last thing you want them to do while the renovation is underway. Help them remember to stay out of areas where the work is being done. Lock the doors, put up physical barriers we’ve mentioned, or add signs if they can read.
Know the Dangers of Unfinished Areas
Even when the tools are stored safely, and there are no workers around, unfinished work area has a lot of potential hazards – especially to children, but also adults who are unaware that some things are off or malfunctioning. For example, sometimes the room looks done, but the wall socket covers are off. You most definitely don’t want your child examining this. And if there’s nothing that might physically hurt you, there can be things full of dirt and bacteria, or just being plain unsafe. When safety features are missing, the area is a hazard. Prevent unwanted situations by staying away from unfinished areas, and teaching children to do the same.
Renovating can be a daunting task, even when it’s the contractors doing all the work. And of course, it especially rings true when you’re on the site, trying to lead your life as usual. But if you take into account all the safety measures and mostly keep away, it gets a little easier. So take care, and have a lovely new home!
