If you’re in the midst of a massive home improvement project, there’s probably a lot on your mind: what color will my new cabinets be? What am I going to do about grout? How much debt am I going to be in? One thing that might be farther from your mind than it should be though is safety. Here’s a few tips to make sure your home renovation project goes off without any unexpected injuries:
Protect yourself: If there’s going to be loud equipment, wear ear plugs or earmuffs. If there’s going to be drilling, sawing, or spraying, goggles are a must. Wear close-toed shoes. If you’re going to be sanding, tearing up carpet, cutting drywall, or removing any hazardous materials such as mold or asbestos, masks may be in order as well.
Learn about codes: This is especially important for older houses. Make sure your renovation plans include bringing various items up to code, such as electrical outlets.
Careful up there: Be sure to follow the 4-to-1 rule for ladder safety: 1 foot away from the wall for every 4 feet of ladder. Do not climb beyond the third step, and use a spotter.
Put away tools: You don’t want to trip over anything lying around, so be sure to clean up each workspace at the end of the day or after each phase is complete. Wrap up and store extension cords and bladed tools, and sweep up excess screws and nails.
Change your air filters: Air quality is one of the most important but overlooked aspects of a healthy home. When you’ve finished renovating, be sure to change your air filter–if it was a particularly dirty project, you’ll know you made the right call just by looking at the old filter!
Coleridge Construction understands that safety is a top priority for both our team, as well as anyone who will be present in the house during a remodeling project. If you would like to learn more about our certifications, safety procedures, or receive a construction quote, please reach out to us today.