When most people think of planning a home renovation, they think of things like choosing a room, hiring a contractor, deciding on a budget, choosing the décor, and of course, enjoying the end results.
What many fail to realize are the present dangers that can come from a renovation – especially where demolition may be involved. When you add active, inquisitive, explorative children to the mix, you could have a recipe for disaster.
That’s why safety precautions should also be taken during a home renovation.
Hire the Right Contractors
Whether you’re interested in bathroom or kitchen remodels, the contractors you hire are essentially strangers coming into your home. Since you don’t have years to get to know them, it is imperative that you do your due diligence and get to know what you can about the service providers you choose. You’re not looking for the company with the best price tag, but the company who is fully licensed, registered and insured. Professionals who will wear uniforms and safety gear at all times, and more importantly respect your concerns for safety.
Learn About Potential Air Pollutants
During the construction stages of a home renovation, some form of demolition tends to take place. The demolishing of building materials will ultimately send dust, debris, and other pollutants into the air. To keep your kids safe, it is important to learn about the types of pollutants you could be dealing with and solutions for purifying the air for yourself and your children.
Common pollutants to look out for during a home renovation include asbestos, lead paint, mold, and dust. While proper air ventilation can move some contaminants from the home, others like mold and asbestos need to be removed by professionals. If there are serious pollutants in your home, removing the children until construction is completed is the best way to keep them safe. Other solutions include using fans or spraying surfaces with water to prevent dust from releasing into the air.
Block Off Prohibited Areas
Try as you may, your children may be intrigued by the construction going on in the home. Feeling anxious to see what’s going on, your child could wander off into an area that causes them to get hurt. To prevent this from happening, you need to block off the construction area. Put up a plastic tarp, install child safety gates at the door, and even use bright caution tape. After you’ve blocked off the areas, you’ll need to talk to your children about the importance of staying away from the construction site.
Make Sure Tools are Secured
Home renovation contractors who are aware that children are in the home should take their own precautions to be safe while working. As you’re checking on the progress, look around the room to see how the workers are handling themselves. Ensure that tools that aren’t in use are secure, locked up, and out of the reach of your children.
Insist on Proper Clean Up
Workers should never leave your home without cleaning up first. The reason, there can be a lot of things left behind that a curious child can get their hands on. Before they leave, insist that they not only remove their tools and supplies, but that they properly sweep the area and clean up to ensure they haven’t left something behind that could prove hazardous to your children.
Never Leave the Kids Alone
Never leave your children unattended when there is construction going on in the house. Make sure that they have something to occupy their time and that if they are near the job site, that they be safely accompanied by an adult.
From watching the foods they eat to keeping them safe and improving the air quality during home renovations, promoting a healthy and green home life for your children is an ongoing task. Before completing any home improvement projects, keep each of these ideas in mind and also be sure to have a talk with your contractor to make sure they understand the importance of your child’s health and safety during the project.
Photography by Brett and Sue Coulstock
