We have all heard true stories about DIY enthusiasts who have, despite the warnings, ignored safety advice and sustained serious injury as a result. The statistics for injury as a result of DIY are simply staggering. Fatalities are not uncommon and occur even more frequently due to large renovation projects.
Additionally, you need to consider what your project will entail. A secure home renovation project is one that has been thoroughly planned and will not meet any obstacles along the way.
When starting out on a large renovation project it is essential that you consider the risks and think very carefully about what is within the realms of your own ability. The golden rule is: If you have any doubt as to whether you can do it, don’t do it! Below are five top tips that will help ensure you remain safe and secure throughout any project you might want to take on.
#1 Do Your Research
Depending on the size of your project and the type of property you are planning on renovating; you may find that permissions need to be obtained for carrying out certain tasks. You need to find out who you gain permission from and what sort of criteria they will expect you to meet. If you go ahead and carry out the project without the right permits, you may find ignorance is not a justifiable defence and you could find yourself spending an awful lot of money on fines or compensation.
#2 Protective Equipment
The appropriate protective equipment is essential for carrying out certain tasks. In the event of certain injuries not only will they minimise damage but they could also mean the difference between you being covered by insurance and having to pay lots of expensive medical bills. And, while you may not need a big, cumbersome carbon monoxide respirator for everyday household tasks, the basic protective equipment you should ensure that you have in your home is:
- Hard Hat
- Ear Protectors
- Protective Goggles
- High Visibility Vest
- Face Mask
#3 Ventilation
One common affliction to those carrying out long-term renovations is asthma and other respiratory problems. During the renovation, lots of dust and dirt can be constantly flying around. It is this build-up and lack of anywhere for the dust and dirt particles to go that results in health issues.
Even more important is the need for ventilation when using certain toxic chemicals, for example when you are using a spray gun. These chemicals can react quickly with the body and result in long-term damage. Be sure to be aware of ventilation in your building and where possible buy/hire an extractor fan to remove unwanted particles.
#4 Know When You Need Help
There will be some tasks that no amount of YouTube videos will help you to carry out. Either you can’t do them or you are unable to carry out said tasks because you lack the necessary qualifications. For example, if you require metal pipe scaffolding for a project, it must be erected by a professional scaffolder in order to meet health and safety regulations. Refer back to the golden rule when it comes down to deciding if you need to hire a professional.
#5 Get a Second Opinion
From time to time, it is worth having someone (especially if they are in the trade) look over work and inspect your work environment. A fresh pair of eyes will often spot things that you miss because you have grown so used to your working conditions. If your project is long term (6+ months) it’s probably worth carrying out checks like this at least once a month.
Home renovation can be incredibly rewarding once it is complete. But don’t be in a hurry to get things done as quickly as possible. Take your time and take into account the maximum amount of time it may take to complete each task. This will give you a good idea of your project’s length. Of course, accidents do happen, but if you follow these tips you will reduce the amount of risk significantly.
