Being stuck inside can lead the imagination to wander. If you decide to take on DIY projects this winter, here’s what you need to know to keep yourself and your home safe.
It’s no secret that the winter months often lead to more time indoors — some experts estimate a 40% increase compared to summer. As you browse the internet for new project ideas or review formerly finished ones, don’t let boredom get the best of you. The safety of the home should always be a top priority.
“We know all too well how poorly done DIY projects can impact the future of the home,” explained Adam Long, president of HomeTeam Inspection Service. “Home inspections often reveal dangerous structural changes or unsafe materials used by homeowners looking to make a change in their home. This can interrupt the sale of a home but also reflects a potentially dangerous living space that the family has been occupying since the completion of the project.”
Here are four things to keep in mind when completing your projects and ensure you’re not damaging your home in the long run.
Be Careful With Chemicals
Chemicals play a crucial role in many projects. Whether you are painting, removing wallpaper, looking to stain a piece of furniture or even doing some deep cleaning, be aware of the chemicals you are using that could damage your home, or present a health risk to you.
Using the appropriate chemicals for a given project is key to avoiding negative reactions or unexpected results. Ensure you are in a well-ventilated area, and check the usage guidelines associated with each chemical product. Some chemicals should never be used indoors, no matter how well-ventilated the area seems!
Old Homes May Require Special Considerations
If you’re bringing an older home up-to-date such as removing a popcorn ceiling, there are some checks to complete first. If the home was built before 1979, you should test for lead and asbestos prior to starting the project. Homes that do test positive for lead or asbestos can be remediated, but professionals
should certainly be brought in. This way, you can avoid contaminating other areas of your home with these dangerous substances.
Electrical Projects Should Not Be Done by Yourself
Though they may seem straightforward at first, projects that involve electrical work should be left to the professionals. Faulty wiring or damage done during the project can lead to electric shock or present a fire hazard. Shifting electrical outlets, installing lighting fixtures where there previously were none
and any other projects that require wiring alterations should not be done without the help of a professional.
Ordering New Appliances? Call in the Pros
Fresh appliances can give new life to a kitchen or laundry room. Choosing the right appliance for you may be easy, but installation can be a bit more complicated. If replacing an appliance requires you to adjust plumbing, gas or electrical implements, you need a professional. This is especially true if you are putting an appliance in a location where there previously was not one.
Having professional help with these projects can help you to avoid damage to utilities, floors, furniture, cabinets and your own health and safety.
If none of these projects sound appealing, or you’re not interested in taking the additional steps to ensure safety, there are still ways to feel productive around the home! Ongoing maintenance such as a house-wide check on smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries, a quick check on the age of existing fire extinguishers or maintaining gutters and outside caulking are all great DIYs to take on, keeping your family safe without risking the health and safety of the structure itself.
