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March 21, 2010  |  Login
Health Tips and Other Advice to Survive Your Remodel
By Eric Corey Freed
 
Whether due to cost concerns or curiosity, you may want to live in your house during your remodel. If you’re doing minor work, this isn’t an issue, but if you’re doing an extensive remodel, it can be like living in a war zone.

Talk to your contractor about whether it’ll be okay for you to live in the home during construction. If you decide to stay in the house, keep in mind the following suggestions:

  • Make sure that your contractor alerts you in advance of any interruptions to the power or water. If you know that the power or water will be turned off, you can plan to take showers or power down your computer beforehand.
  • Plan a long vacation to coincide with the more disruptive construction work. You may need a vacation during the remodel just to relax!
  • Create a backup plan for cooking and showering for those times when things don’t go as planned. Knowing what to do ahead of time will alleviate most of your construction stress.
The majority of the stress people feel from construction comes from having unrealistic expectations. Expect to have dust in your clothes, no access to your stuff, and early mornings when you’re awakened by all the noise. If you expect the construction process to be tough, you won’t be surprised by it. Set your expectations ahead of time — and you’ll find yourself delighted by the result.

Health Risks: Handling Surprises as They Come

When construction begins and the demolition opens up the walls, finding some surprises is common. Be aware of the following potential health risks:
  • Asbestos - Asbestos was commonly used in insulation, tiles, and siding from the 1940s through the 1970s. It’s dangerous if it’s broken and fibers are released into the air. Don’t sand or break up any material you suspect may contain asbestos.  Check with your local building department for more information on asbestos abatement. You may need a licensed abatement contractor.
  • Mold - When moisture gets into a wall and is not given a chance to dry, mold can form. Even unseen mold can create respiratory illness and other sicknesses. Fix the source of the leak and remove the moldy and damp materials completely.
  • Lead paint - If your home was built before 1978, you could find some layers of lead paint below the current paint. Originally used as a pigment in paint, lead was found to be hazardous, because it flakes off and turns into dust, which can be inhaled.  Your local building department can provide you with more information on removing lead from your home.
  • Vinyl - Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or vinyl, is one of the most common synthetic materials. Approximately 75% of all PVC manufactured is used in construction materials. It creeps into all sorts of unlikely building products. PVC is the worst plastic from an environmental health perspective, posing great environmental and health hazards in its manufacture and disposal. Chances are, you’ve got vinyl in your home. As you remodel, take out the vinyl and recycle it.  ....read more
 
 

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