When it comes to building or renovating a home, safety should always be at the forefront of your mind. However, with so many different aspects to consider, it can be easy to overlook some of the more hidden hazards that can put your home, your family, and even your neighbors at risk. 

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the key things that home builders and renovators need to consider before starting a project, so that you can ensure that your home is as safe as possible.

  1. Pool Safety

Swimming pools can be a great addition to any home, but they come with their own set of safety considerations. Before starting any pool construction project, make sure that all local safety regulations are met. 

This includes installing appropriate pool safety barriers and ensuring that the pool is equipped with adequate drain covers to prevent entrapment risks. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that any ladder leading into the pool is properly secured and has non-slip steps.

  1. Structural Integrity

An often overlooked hazard when it comes to home building or renovating is structural integrity. It’s important to make sure that all support beams and other structural elements are in good condition before beginning any construction project. 

Otherwise you could be putting yourself at risk for serious injury or even death if something were to collapse during the process. Additionally, it’s important to check for mold in areas where water may have been present such as bathrooms or basements prior to beginning any work.

  1. Fire Safety

Fire safety is an important consideration when doing any kind of renovation work on your property. Not only do you need to ensure that all smoke detectors are installed correctly (and working), but also consider installing fire sprinklers where appropriate. Finally, take extra precaution if using combustible materials such as wood or paper since these can easily ignite in case of a fire emergency.

  1. Lead and Asbestos

Lead-based paint was once a common household coating until its ban in 1978 due to its toxicity. While most homes built after 1978 won’t have lead-based paint, older homes may still contain it. 

If your home is built or renovated prior to the ban, it’s important to test for lead before starting any demolition or construction work. In addition, asbestos is another hazardous material found in older buildings that should be tested for before starting a project.  Both of these materials can be dangerous if not handled properly so testing is essential before beginning any work on an older building.

  1. Radon Gas

Radon gas is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer if inhaled over long periods of time. Unfortunately, radon gas has no color or odor so it can be difficult to detect without testing specifically for it. 

If you plan on renovating an older home (especially one with basements), it’s important to have the area tested by a professional who can detect potential radon concentrations and provide solutions for keeping your family safe from this deadly gas.

  1. Air Quality

One of the most common hazards associated with building or renovating is poor air quality. Poor air quality can cause health issues, such as asthma attacks or respiratory problems. Additionally, many materials used in construction contain hazardous chemicals, which are released into the air during building and renovation work.  

To reduce any potential air quality issues, it’s important to use materials that have low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) ratings and ventilation systems that help move fresh air into your home.

  1. Energy Efficiency

With energy costs on the rise, energy efficiency should be top priority in any home building or renovating project. Insulation is key in creating an energy efficient home. Look for ways to improve insulation in attics, walls, floors and ceilings to keep your energy bills low while keeping your home warm during the winter months. Additionally, switching to LED lighting can save money on energy costs while providing bright lighting throughout your space.

  1. Mold and Mildew 

Mold and mildew are common problems in older buildings due to poor ventilation or lack of maintenance. During renovation projects, mold spores can become airborne which can cause serious respiratory issues if inhaled by workers or occupants of the building. 

It’s important to check for mold before starting any demolition work as well as during the construction process as large amounts of moisture may provide an ideal breeding ground for mold growth. 

Professional mold removal services should also be consulted if high levels of mold are found in order to keep both workers and occupants safe from potential health risks associated with exposure to mold spores.

9.  Electrical Wiring and Plumbing Issues

Older homes often have outdated wiring systems that can pose a fire hazard if not addressed prior to beginning construction work on the home. In addition, old plumbing systems may contain lead pipes that need to be replaced prior to using them again after any renovations are completed on the house. 

It’s important to hire professionals who specialize in these areas in order to make sure they’re up-to-code and free from potential dangers like fires caused by faulty wiring or water contamination caused by lead pipes (if present)

  1. Water Consumption

While water consumption isn’t typically thought of as a hazard when it comes to construction projects, it’s important to consider how much water you’ll be using when completing your project—especially if you live in an area with water restrictions or drought conditions.  Choose fixtures that use less water without sacrificing performance and install low-flow toilets to reduce water consumption without sacrificing flushing power.

Takeaways

There are a number of hidden hazards that could easily trip up an unwary homebuilder or renovator if they’re not careful. Taking the time to thoroughly understand any potential risks before the project starts is essential to ensure that everything runs smoothly and everyone remains safe throughout the process. All in all, familiarizing yourself with these 10 considerations can make all the difference between a smoothly-run endeavor and an unpredictable roller-coaster ride of unforeseen issues and costs.

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