Protective Measures When Working On Home Renovation Projects
Treat the Causes, Not the Problems
When many people see damage to the paint on a wall, they think, ‘well that wall could use another coat of paint!" Instead, you should be thinking about what's underneath the paint and what caused the damage in the first place. There could be moisture leaking through the walls, which when left for long periods, can cause worse damage to your home than a bad-looking paint job.
Leave Asbestos Alone
If you see asbestos in your home, treat it like radioactive material. Stop working, and call someone who can remove it safely. The last thing you want to do is start ripping it out and breathing heavily – that would be a recipe for total disaster. There are asbestos professionals you can call to have the stuff removed safely.
Ventilation and Dust
We've all started a renovation project and failed to think about the amount of dust that would be kicked up. After the dust is thicker than Tokyo air, we think about opening your favorite custom vinyl windows. If your project is going to create dust, open windows or doors and use fans as much as you can. If things still get a little too dusty to handle, have some masks nearby that you can use.
You Duct Taped What?!
One of the most common mistakes is the overuse duct tape. Run out of nails? Duct tape. Used up the last shingle? Duct tape! Use duct tape only as a temporary solution while you can organize a permanent one.
Safety is Optional
Disregarding safety procedures can land you in the hospital real quick. If you think the best way to get open a stubborn electrical panel open is with an axe, bone up on your safety. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) have been created for very good reasons, so follow their instructions and use materials the way they were intended to be used. Don't worry how you look with those safety goggles on – you'd look worse without an eye.
These quick tips are designed to help you get your project done well, and with all your fingers attached to your hand. It may seem easier to cut corners and leave your safety goggles in the garage because they're too far away, but the price you pay in the long run is hefty. Don't believe it? Put an eye patch on and see how good you are at baseball.