Keep children safe

First and foremost, parents need to also take an active part in keeping children safe.To keep the area safe, parents should ensure that contractors restrict access to the areas they are working by hanging yellow “keep out” tape.

It’s also a good idea to keep toys and play areas away from the area being remodeled. Explain to your children which areas of the home are now off limits and that they should never play around with the contractors’ tools.

On the days of large deliveries or if hazardous materials are used, it’s a good idea to plan a family outing to keep the workspace free and clear. Keep children and pets away from toxic chemicals, such as paint strippers.

  • Assign a separate door for contractors to go in and out of. If possible, it would be best for them to use another door besides the main one the family uses.
  • Should you consider moving antique furniture or any household items that are in the way to storage?  Hiring a package, moving and storage company might be a good idea if you are tight on room and want to protect your valuables. 
  • Ask your contractor to mist surfaces they are sanding, scraping or cutting. Misting can help keep dust from becoming airborne. When possible this type of work should be done outside.
  • Have your family dress for safety. Encourage everyone to wear sneakers or shoes. Do not walk around bare foot or in your flip-flops.
  • Keep pets away from work areas. If there is exterior work happening, it might be a good idea to keep your dog on a leash while outside your home.
  • At the end of each workday, make sure your contractor puts away tools or any chemicals that could cause harm. Keep dangerous tools such as ladders, drills, saws and hazardous materials, safely stored. You will also want to make sure that any holes are properly covered.
  • Keep plastic sheeting or tarps hung around the area under construction. This helps prevent debris, dust, and other pollutants, from travelling throughout your home.
  • If you own an older home ask the contractor to test surfaces for lead paint before sanding or stripping.If you do have lead paint it is important to seal off the work area with duct tape and plastic sheeting.Pregnant women and children should not be in the house until all dust is removed. For more about lead paint, contact the Environmental Protection Agency.

Transforming your space through a renovation can make your home more beautiful and functional, improving the time you spend there as well as improve your home’s value.

Whether it’s remodeling the kitchen, updating the bathroom, or transforming the backyard, be sure to keep safety tips before, during and after the renovation in mind.