There’s nothing like having a home that feels perfect for you and your family!
Naturally, our homes are extensions of ourselves. There’s nothing more rewarding than finally tackling a big home project that gets you one step closer to the house of your dreams.
Of course, home renovations and projects all get a little trickier when you throw kids into the mix.
While kids are naturally curious and want to see what’s happening, doing construction while living in the home can present many hazards for the littles.
That’s why it’s important to make sure you are taking the necessary precautions before beginning your home renovation. Read on to find the 6 best tips to live through home renovations with kids.
VOC Free Paint
More and more children are being diagnosed with allergies and asthma than ever before. The fumes from traditional paint can severely irritate the lungs. The same goes for the adults in the home, as well.
VOCs stand for Volatile Organic Compounds. These are chemicals that turn into vapor when they hit room temperature. They can be hugely harmful to your health, and have been linked to cancer, fatigue, headaches, and respiratory issues.
VOCs are added to paint to improve the flow and texture. However, don’t let that scare you away from VOC-free paint. With today’s advancements, you won’t even notice a difference. Trust us, your lungs will thank you.
Not sure where to start? Check out the gorgeous, curated color options from Clare. They offer a wide range of stylish shades in their signature zero VOC formula.
Test for Asbestos
If you own an older home, there’s a high probability that asbestos was used to build it.
Asbestos was known for its durability, and used in everything from popcorn ceilings, to duct work. Unfortunately, it is also very toxic.
Don’t panic, though. Asbestos is only harmful when disturbed and released into the air. Which means the only time you really have to fear them is during a home renovation.
If you are working with a contractor, they will know to test for asbestos before beginning any project. However, if you are a family of DIYers, it’s crucial to test the places you are demoing, before you begin.
You can purchase an asbestos test through Amazon. It is crucial that you follow the directions exactly, to ensure best results. If you are nervous, feel free to reach out to a professional.
Get A Good Gate
If you have younger children, it may be a good idea to invest in a quality child gate, before beginning construction.
Gates can be placed in doorways to keep children out of workspaces. Be sure to talk with your contractor to make sure gates are placed in the right spot so they won’t block their work path.
Keep The Air Clean
Anyone who has ever renovated part of their home will tell you the same thing.
It’s messy.
From sawdust swirling in the air, to the smell of things like wood stain and polyurethane, it can be hard to get fresh air during a home renovation.
A few minor changes in your home can help to improve the air your whole family is breathing. First, we recommend purchasing an air purifier. These devices can remove up to 99% of allergens in the air. An air purifier can continue to be useful, even after your renovation is done.
If you are DIYing home repairs, make sure to curtain off the room you are working on with plastic sheeting. This will help prevent dust and other debris from circling around the rest of your home.
Lastly, it can be helpful to incorporate daily vacuuming and dusting. We hear you – please, not one more chore to do! But take it from us, the excess of dust from renovations can build up and have a negative effect on the air quality of your home. A daily dusting and quick vacuum sesh can help alleviate that unwanted build up.
Help Kids Establish a New Routine
Kids are creatures of habit. It may be hard for them to adjust to the idea that certain rooms in their home are temporarily off limits.
Help ease them into this transition by setting up temporary spaces for them. Redoing a kitchen? Creating a makeshift kitchen in another room can help them feel secure. Be sure to show them where you are storing things that may be important to them, like the kid-friendly dishes and snacks.
If you are renovating a bathroom, and you have younger children, be aware that you might have to remind them to take bathroom breaks more frequently than normal. When their routine is off, they might lean towards holding it, rather than trying a new space.
For areas like bedrooms, try turning it into a fun adventure. Things like a mattress on the floor can be made to feel extra special if they get to use camping gear like sleeping bags or special blankets.
Always Clean Up Tools
When you are midway through a house project, it can be easy to leave tools and other materials lying around. After all, you are just going to need them tomorrow, right?
However, this can be dangerous for children. After all, your tools don’t look that different from their toys. They light up, they move, they make sound…who wouldn’t be interested?
Even though it can seem like extra work, take the time to move all tools into a safe location outside of the reach of little fingers. If you are working with a contractor, make it clear that tools can not be left in the workspace overnight.
Happy home renovating!
Are you starting a home renovation soon? What are your big plans? Share with us in the comments below!