Tips to avoid dangerous home improvement health hazards

Every homeowner is looking for unique, creative ways to cut costs during a remodeling project. However, dangerous situations can easily crop up for enterprising do-it-yourselfers, and it pays to be safe before digging into any serious renovations.

A home inspection is a great way to not only ensure that a house is free of problems, but also that any upgrades were completed properly. Health risks can appear from a variety of places, and a little preparation can go a long way to keeping everyone involved safe.

Common remodeling health hazards

Hazardous materials and other dangers can come from anywhere within a home. Therefore, a property inspection can be a perfect tool before and after improvements as an added layer of security. Homeowners should also take several precautionary steps before getting their hands dirty. 

The older the home, the more likely it is to have some level of danger. Buyers may want to renovate in order to raise the overall value or make living there more enjoyable, according to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. However, houses built before the late 1970s increase the chances of health risks.

For example, lead paint is common in older properties. When homeowners aren't hiring contractors to perform the work, they should instead take safety measures themselves. Those could include covering doorways, windows, floors and other areas with a heavy plastic coating. This can keep lead paint off of furniture, which makes clean-up easier. Before anyone scrapes lead paint, though, the walls should be misted or dampened, and all heating and air conditioning systems need to be turned off so paint doesn't enter the ventilation system.

A home inspection could help identify areas where lead paint is present, or other concerning features about a property. Steps should always be taken to minimize risk before a remodel is started.

Another common home hazard is asbestos, the news source noted. Many different building materials up until the late 1970s included this type of material, which means a remodel could stir a lot of it up. It may appear in several types of insulation, deck undersheeting and other areas. Damaged asbestos could pose serious health risks, including lung cancer.

How to stay safe during a remodel

The best way for a homeowner to stay safe during a home remodel is with a property inspection. The entire house could be looked over, and that may find several locations that require professional help or some added caution.

Additionally, moisture should be carefully monitored and controlled within a home, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Too much can result in several health risks, and home improvements could stir up a number of contaminants. 

For instance, mold, mildew and other growths are all caused by too much moisture, the news source noted. That can cause allergic reactions within residents, as well as asthma and other health problems. These issues are often created from leaky roofs, walls and plumbing, and a remodel can be a much safer proposition if these areas are looked over during a home inspection before getting underway.

Moreover, great ventilation is a must during any renovation and at regular times. If air and other contaminants can move freely outside the property, that means dangerous conditions are less likely to form inside the house. Quality ventilation can also reduce the chances that mold and mildew appear as well.

Overall, a property inspection can help homeowners at any time, but especially before and after a remodel. Professionals can point out where extra attention is needed, and ensure that the home and any improvements are safe and secure.