Renovating a House - Top Safety Tips to Know

Many homeowners decide to start renovating a house in order to tailor it more to their needs or to update the look, feel and operating systems in the house. If you are considering starting a home renovation take note of these top safety tips before you begin.

Top Safety Tips to Know When Renovating a House

if you own an old thatched cottage you might need to start renovating a house to repair and replace old elements in the structure — If you are renovating a house because you have an old character home make sure you learn our safety tips

Photo by Ritchie Valens

Ah, the dust settling into every nook of the house, the annoying noise of machinery in action, and the coming and going of unfamiliar people chatting and working in a place that, until recently, was sacred. Those who have never undergone a home renovation don’t understand how irritating this mess can be.

Homeowners Often Leave The Property During a Renovation

That’s why many homeowners are choosing to leave their property when they start renovating a house. Any option is valid: staying with friends or relatives, spending time in a budget hotel, or even renting an Airbnb.

All these options are perfectly reasonable and beneficial for everyone. First, you can continue your daily activities without being buried under a mountain of dust. Second, without the residents around, the renovation team can work more quickly and without distractions. Be sure to consider who your professional contractors might be, for example consider a general contractor Springfield Ohio.

Trustworthy House Sitters as Your Trusted Residents

However, there is a downside. It is not advisable to leave your home full of strangers without having someone trustworthy nearby. This is when house sitters come in handy.

House sitters are people who take care of a home while the owners are away, this can work while you are renovating a house. This role can include a variety of responsibilities, including taking care of pets, watering plants, collecting mail, and ensuring that everything in the residence remains secure and in order.

It’s a win-win service. The house sitter can stay in the property during work without paying rent and, in return, they take care of the place and pets, ensuring all aspects are under control.

Prepare for Your House Sitters

Remember that the house sitter is a guest and, therefore, your home should be as comfortable as possible for them. Of course, in the case of a renovation, the concept of comfort needs to be flexible.

Ensure the Safety of Your Guests and Pets

house sitter looking after a small dog — A house sitter can also look after your pets while they are renovating a house

Photo by Nima Sarram

Our Top Safety Tips

inside a home with walls stripped of plaster amid renovation — A house in renovation can be a dangerous place

Photo by Milivoj Kuhar

However, something that must never be overlooked is the guest’s safety. Therefore, follow these tips to make everything safer in your home during renovation works:

Keep Everything Clean and Tidy – Renovation is synonymous with mess, but it’s possible to keep things minimally under control with some basic care. When you are renovating a house establish specific areas for the refurbishment and try to confine the work and materials to these areas. Use plastics or sheets to protect the furniture. Clean at the end of each workday to control the accumulation of dust and debris. This includes sweeping, vacuuming, and wiping surfaces. Ask the contractors to store all materials neatly. Keep the area well-ventilated to help disperse dust and the smell of chemical products, such as paints and solvents.

Use Scaffolding – Using scaffolding offers several benefits. It makes the work more efficient, as it allows builders to reach higher places with less effort. Additionally, being a stable horizontal platform, scaffolds are safer than ladders, protecting workers and preventing building materials from falling on pets, residents, and visitors. Safety nets and tarps can be deployed to provide an extra layer of safety. Modern scaffolding systems are highly adaptable and can be set up in various configurations to suit any type of renovation project. A Preston scaffolding company can help you choose the most suitable options for your needs.

Turn Off the Power and Water Supply – If the renovation involves any electrical work, such as installing new outlets, wiring, or distribution boards, it is essential to turn off the power to avoid the risk of electric shocks or fires. Similarly, if the work includes modifying or repairing water pipes, the water supply should be turned off to prevent flooding and damage to the property. It is important to inform your house sitters when the power and water will be cut off so they can be prepared. The energy and water supplies should be turned back on as soon as the workers complete their higher-risk activities.

Beware of Airborne Dangers – When renovating a house avoid airborne hazards like paint spray, dust, and asbestos. Provide plenty of personal protective equipment, such as respirators or masks, and use plastic sheeting to seal off work areas. To reduce the generation of dust, employ wet sawing or sanding methods, as keeping materials damp prevents the formation of airborne dust. If there’s a possibility of disturbing asbestos-containing materials, hiring certified professionals to handle the removal is critical. Asbestos is extremely hazardous when airborne and requires stringent control measures, including specialised equipment and disposal methods. Make sure everyone in the family, including the house sitter, is aware of the risks and the safety measures in place when you are renovating a house.

Create a Safe Haven for Your Pet – Before you start renovating a house, set up a safe, quiet place away from the construction area where your pet can retreat. This space should have all their essentials—food, water, bedding, and toys. Make it as comfortable and calming as possible, potentially with soundproofing elements to dampen the noise. Ask your house sitter to keep feeding, walks, and playtimes as regular as possible to give your pet a sense of normalcy. They can also spend extra time comforting your pet, especially if they seem anxious or stressed. Regular breaks for cuddles or play can help alleviate stress and reassure them that they are safe. Ensure all tools, sharp objects, and hazardous materials (like paint, nails, and solvents) are out of reach.

House Sitters Can Ease Your Renovation Worries

House sitters can provide invaluable peace of mind during when you are renovating a house. They ensure the property remains locked and secure, monitor the premises for suspicious activity, and be present to deter potential burglars.

Moreover, house sitters can help by overseeing the schedule of contractors, letting them in and out of the property as needed.

Knowing that someone is looking after the property and managing daily responsibilities can significantly reduce homeowners’ stress levels associated with renovation projects. By following these safety tips, you will be confident that your home and guests are safe and sound.