Now that the holidays are over, many people have no excuse for continuing to put off those home remodeling plans that may have been on their radar for months. If such a do-it-yourself project is in the near future for you, you must make sure that you’re taking the proper precautions so that you and your family won’t be put in harm’s way. A new report out of Canada offers myriad tips for such projects, and you want to keep them in mind as you go about your work.
One of the things to realize is that, in most cases, the older your residence is, the greater the likelihood that it succumbed to one of the common threats affecting homes. You first want to make sure that your home doesn’t have asbestos that can clog the air when carry out your project. Look out for paper-esque wrapping on the pipes, and if detected, it may be better to contact a professional to carry out repairs.
This speaks to the need for the proper equipment so that you can carry out the job and keep you and your family from breathing in contaminants. Wear a mask and then cover your eyes so that nothing can compromise your vision or cause an infection. Also put on gloves so that the risk of a cut is reduced.
The roof is another thing that can begin to sustain damage over the course of years. It’s been the main line of defense against the elements for perhaps decades, so before you get out on the roof to conduct work, make sure it hasn’t been privy to water or structural damage that can compromise its integrity.
Water damage should be sussed out in all parts of the home, as it can contribute to mold that, if left unchecked, can create some serious health woes. Think back to if there was ever a flood or anything that could have triggered the formation of mold. If so, you could have a problem.
The smell will perhaps be your first indicator, and you can follow the scent to determine the area that may be compromised. Oftentimes, the mold can actually be behind the walls, wreaking havoc without your realizing it unless it starts to seep through the wall like blotted paint. A member of the Canadian Home Builder’s Association interviewed at the link above recommends tearing out a small section of dry wall to confirm the mold presence.
The walls could also carry another hidden hazard: lead paint. Although there are restrictions on this now, that wasn’t always the case. Rather than that paint simply being removed, there’s a possibility it was just painted over. If you suspect this, you may want to hire a trustworthy contractor rather than putting your family at risk.