When you think about home renovations you think about which rooms you want to improve, how much it will cost, how long it might take, the design, layout, and even the decor. Though all very important factors to consider, however, one of the most important aspects is left out. Renovations require a team of experts using a plethora of tools and equipment doing everything from demolition and construction to heavy lifting and screwing which is why safety should be a top priority.
You never know what could go wrong. A contractor could be carrying in a fridge and end up tripping on a loose wooden panel on your front porch causing him to get injured. Your toddler could find a screw, bolt, or other item and choke on it. The scenarios are plentiful and vary from minor to major which is why you need to take precautions such as these listed below to keep you, your family, your home, and others safe.
Hire the Right Contractors
The first safety tip is hiring the right contractors. Construction companies and home improvement professionals do dangerous work that puts them at risk of getting injured regularly. For this reason, they are required to have vital protections in place including licensing and insurance. When shopping around for contractors for your renovation, don’t hesitate to ask the company or contractor for proof of insurance. Check to see that the coverage is up to date for your own protection.
Ask for ID
Do not simply allow people into your home because they look like contractors. To protect your home and family, you should always ask for identification before opening the door to your home. Professionals will also wear uniforms and have vans with the company information on them. If you’re unsure, it’s best to contact the company and verify the identity of their employee before allowing them in.
Inform Contractors of Issues
Unless you want to find yourself in court against a New York personal injury lawyer because a contractor got injured while renovating your home, communication is key. Such as in the example used above, if you know that there are loose wooden panels on your porch, but you neglect to tell the contractor this and they get hurt, you’re on the hook. If there are visible or less visible problems with the property, inform your contractors thoroughly so they can take the proper precautions to avoid injury.
Make Sure the House is Clean and Safe
You may be wondering why it would be ideal to clean up before a home renovation but when it comes to matters of safety, it is recommended. As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to provide contractors with a safe and healthy environment to perform their jobs. Homes riddled with tripping hazards, poor air quality, or other issues increase the possibility of someone getting sick or injured which falls back on you.
Keep Construction Area Isolated
Whether they’re renovating the kitchen, bathroom, or basement, keeping the construction area isolated keeps you and your family from getting hurt. You can use things like caution tape and baby gates to prevent pets and smaller children from accessing the area. You can also place signs around or avoid the space altogether until the renovations are complete. If it is a large renovation or a frequently used room like the living room or bathroom, you might want to make plans to simply stay elsewhere.
Beef Up Security
Home renovations typically require several types of professionals. From general contractors and plumbers to electricians and interior designers, they’ll all be accessing your property on a regular basis. To protect your property whether you’re at home or not, beef up security. Install a security system with cameras and smart locks so you can visibly see who’s on the property and give contractors access without fear. Install motion detectors and security lights as well for peace of mind and an added deterrent for suspicious characters to access your property. If you live in a community that’s frequently patrolled by security you can installs security checkpoints and use software like patrol points to monitor the areas
Home renovations are a lot more than the glitz and glam. There’s a lot of hard work that goes into creating a space that you can feel comfortable in. In getting this work done, there are obvious and less obvious risk factors that could cause harm to you, your loved ones, your home, or the contractors associated with the renovation. To do your best to keep everyone safe, just be sure you’ve utilized the above-mentioned suggestions.