Strategies to Protect Your Home from Potential Destruction by a Contractor During Renovation Projects
Renovation Run-Down: Keep Your Home Safe During a Makeover
Home improvements can be thrilling, yet costly. Transforming that old, worn-out space into a stylish haven isn't cheap, but a well-executed renovation can turn your house into a dream sanctuary or alleviate long-standing issues—worth every penny. However, revamping your humble abode isn’t a walk in the park. Here comes the team, armed with tools and materials, invading your private space to knock down what's old and bring in the new—leaving a mess in their wake. Follow these straightforward tips to safeguard your cherished home during the renovation chaos.
Wall off the Work Space
If you're only sprucing up a part of your home, your first order of business should be creating a barricade around the area. It doesn’t require any elaborate steps:
- Affix painter's tape to the doorway or entryway leading to the renovation zone.
- Slice a sheet of plastic sheeting to fit the door opening, with extra margins all around.
- Attach the plastic to the painter's tape with duct tape, ensuring it sticks to the edges to avoid damaging walls or floors.
- Secure a tarp zipper to the plastic barrier, then cut it open to create an opening for you and the contractors to pass through.
This simple setup helps corral dust and debris, keeping your furniture and HVAC equipment from getting coated in grime.
Shut Down the HVAC
If your home boasts central heating and cooling, you'll need to take steps to ensure that it stays unscathed:
- Cover vents within the work zone using magnetic vent covers or tape down more plastic.
- Shut off the HVAC system in the affected area during mudding drywall or painting. If your contractors want to speed up the drying process, they can bring in portable heaters or dehumidifiers instead.
Secure Important Surfaces
Dust became yesterday's concern—now it's time to safeguard your home's valuable surfaces:
Doors:- Attach snap-on door jamb protectors.- Cover doors with builder's paper.
Tubs and Sinks:- Cover fixtures with heavy-duty cardboard, or invest in adjustable tub protectors or temporary, peelable tub film.
Flooring:- Use drop cloths or floor surface protection sheets for hardwood, tile, or laminate floors. Opt for neoprene runners for easy, temporary protection.
Stairs:- Secure a no-slip drop cloth to protect stairs during renovations.
Countertops:- Cover kitchen and bathroom countertops with dropcloths or protective film for dust and dirt protection. Consider using board materials similar to those used for floors for added protection against chips and gouges.
Beware of Electrical Hazards
- Ensure all electrical work is conducted by licensed professionals. Install a surge protector in every room to shield against power surges.
- Utilize Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in areas prone to water exposure like kitchens and bathrooms to avert electrical shocks.
Choose Your Contractors Wisely
- Verify licenses, insurance, and bonding of contractors to guarantee professional accountability.
Protecting your house during a renovation is essential to prevent dings and damages. Creating a wall off the work space with a plastic sheeting and painter's tape can help contain dust and debris, while securing important surfaces such as doors, tubs, sinks, flooring, and countertops with protective covers can keep them safe from grime and scratches. Bulky items like furniture and appliances should be moved to a safe location to prevent accidental damage during renovations. Additionally, shutting down the HVAC system in the affected area and securing stairs with a no-slip drop cloth can help ensure your home stays clean and safe throughout the renovation process.
