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It is no secret that, here at Mothers Always Right, we love home DIYs. It’s a creative and budget-friendly way to improve your home and make it more personal to you. However, there’s an important side to it that is perhaps not as talked about as it should be – safety. Home renovation involves a lot of different hazards, but these can be minimised with a researched, planned approach.
What are the key steps in a home renovation project?
You should never go into home renovation blindly. Like any successful project, it should have a clear structure (a.k.a. a plan of action). The first step is always about vision and research, meaning this is your time to get inspired and learn about the materials, skills or tools you need for that particular DIY. It’s also a good time to establish a budget.
Next up comes the preparations, during which you finalise your plans and source all materials needed. If you require any permits for your home improvement, apply for them at this stage, having a clear outline of what you’re doing. Additionally, think about the potential safety hazards you may encounter and purchase the necessary equipment, such as safety work trousers, jackets, shoes, goggles, helmets, and other. It’s worthwhile investing in high-quality Strauss gear, particularly if you are doing DIY’s regularly.
The third phase is execution or, in simpler words, the actual work: structural work, painting walls, restoring hardwood floors, plastering or whatever it is that you’re doing. After your vision has come to life the very last stage will be continuous maintenance of your hard work.
What are the most common home renovation hazards to avoid?
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DIY home improvement hazards can vary significantly based on what you’re doing. While something like painting may involve very minimal risks, other projects could have serious consequences if not careful.
Of course, something like straining your back is always a potential risk, but it’s more related to your personal health and existing conditions. Below are the most common, predictable hazards you can avoid:
- Power tools – If your project requires the use of power tools, it will require utmost protection. Wearing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is non-negotiable here. For example, gloves and work trousers can safeguard you against impacts and cuts, work shoes can protect your feet in case a heavy object falls on them, whereas eye protection is a must when there is any flying debris.
- Heights – Anytime you need to do any work high up, such as painting the ceilings or roof improvement, there is a risk of falling. When using ladders, always ensure they are fully stable or, ideally, have someone else hold them for you. In other situations, you should assess your own safety and, if you don’t have a way to prevent a fall, leave it to the professionals instead.
- Chemicals – Certain home maintenance jobs may involve the use of harsh chemicals, including bleach, strippers, glues, acids, and other. Always read the label for safety instructions beforehand, which will typically include wearing gloves and a face mask. Moreover, keep your home well ventilated with fresh air.
- Electrics – Some electrical work can be simple enough to do by yourself, such as changing a pendant lamp. However, all electricity should be fully turned off to prevent the severe risk of shock or fire. Anything more complicated should be left to trained electricians.
Safety always comes first
Home improvement is important, but your safety should always remain the priority. Therefore, before any DIY project, make sure to assess potential hazards and get the right protection gear to prevent accidents, whether that’s work trousers or a face mask.
