Any major home improvement or remodeling project should have safety concerns as a primary component. Especially when children are involved.
When children are part of a household being remodeled, keeping them out of harm's way is not always a simple task. Curious and exploratory by nature, children can be a wonderful nuisance getting in the thick of things. Parents and contractors must have awareness of the dangers that lurk for children during a home remodeling project.
Children frequently have issues with the change in the way they can use their home. This is especially true when a remodel is focusing on a room the kids use everyday like a kitchen, bath or living area. Try setting up an alternative area to fulfill your family’s needs. Sometimes, parents need to help kids remember to stay out of the bathroom that is being remodeled by locking doors, putting up physical barriers like plastic sheeting, safety gates or adding signs around the house.
Air quality is another major health and safety issue when undertaking a large remodeling project. As many children suffer from asthma and allergies, the dust and particulates stirred up by remodeling can circulate through the home damaging your household’s health. Have your contractor seal off any HVAC ducting or vents in the area. Some other options to improve air quality are to hang plastic sheeting and maintain a clean workspace by vacuuming all horizontal surfaces with a HEPA-filtered vacuum at least twice a day.
Contractors should unplug, pack up or store their tools in a secured area. This can be a large endeavor in a big remodeling job. Suggest to your contractor the idea of a ‘tool gathering’ where the tools can be collected and secured in one area – it’ll benefit their business and protect your family.
Last but not least, have your children be aware of the work path as well as the hazards of unfinished areas. Workers need clear space, especially when carrying large items. Kids must know the dangers of getting in the way to prevent the kids and workers from getting hurt. Even if a room’s important safety features are missing, the room is still a hazard.