Renovating your home can be a complicated and drawn-out process that seemingly takes over your whole life. Liaising with contractors, sourcing supplies, choosing the finish, and everything else. There are plenty of things to do and choices to make.
But none of it should leave you chancing your or your family’s safety or security.
Here’s how to ensure a safe renovation from start to finish.
Planning Your Renovation
The foundation for any renovation project lies in the planning. This process should start long before any work takes place and should take into account both structural and aesthetic changes you’re hoping to make.
Assess any challenges you’re likely to face, such as structural weaknesses. Create a timeline you expect to follow. Identify any permits or permissions you need to avoid delays down the line.
Preparing for issues before they arise is the best way to keep you, your contractors, and your property safe. Leave nothing to chance if possible.
Shopping for Materials and Decor Online
Building materials, furniture, and décor pieces are widely available online. Remote ordering and quick deliveries save time, and you’ll be able to find the best deals and suppliers.
However, buying cheaper products may leave you vulnerable to scams and reduced quality. Certain websites attract questions about validity and trustworthiness. Is Temu legit? Can you trust Amazon products? Opinions differ so it’s important to make an educated decision before finalising any purchases.
Always use reputable websites and companies when sourcing supplies. Ensure any site you buy from offers trusted payment methods and has a secure sockets layer (SSL) certificate.
Site Safety
Once work begins, site safety is key for the entire project. Do everything you can to provide a safe environment for any workers onsite, as well as you and your family. You may even need to relocate for a time if the renovations will drastically affect your day to day living.
All contractors should wear the appropriate PPE for their tasks. Guests and visitors may also need items like hard hats, safety glasses, and gloves to ensure they stay protected whilst at the home. Any tools and equipment should be properly inspected before work ensues.
Address any hazards identified during the project. High levels of dust and debris or unexpected structural damage can pose a real threat. Everyone on- and off-site should uphold the safety standards.
Post-renovation Checks and Inspections
The work isn’t complete once the renovation is done. If your home has undergone a major overhaul, fire and electrical safety checks help verify everything is up to standard. They should also identify any damage caused to the rest of your property.
Continue to check for any warning signs as you return to normal life. Flag any issues you find to the tradespeople involved. Even if something seems like nothing, there’s no point in taking that chance. Not with your newly renovated home!
