You have waited a long time for that new kitchen, bathroom, or home addition, but before you start, there are many things to consider to make sure the renovation is a safe and positive experience. You may not have thought much about the materials that are already in your home, or the products that you are about to use for your renovation. If you aren’t careful, you risk the possibility of exposing your family to things that can pose all sorts of health concerns!

Problems of the Past

Used extensively before the 1980s, both lead and asbestos can be a real health hazard. While you may not have to worry about their effects if you live in a newer home, older ones should be tested for these compounds before any renovation project.

That doesn’t mean you can’t remodel. It does mean that you will have to take some extra precautions, according to the building experts at Quality Craftsmen.

Why Air Quality Is Important

Today, more than ever before, the air quality in your home is very important. The reason is simple. As homes become more and more energy efficient, they also become tighter, which can trap toxins inside those walls you call home.

While some of that toxic air may have escaped in years past, it can’t anymore — and this can put your family at risk of all sorts of health-related problems.

Choosing Safe Building Materials

When it comes to choosing smart and safe building materials, be sure to consider these possible problems:

  • Chemical Sensitivities

It has been estimated that the average home contains 62 certified toxic chemicals — and thousands more that have never been studied. That can leave your family vulnerable to all sorts of problems, with chemical sensitivity at the top of the list.

Used extensively before the 1980s, both lead and asbestos can be a real health hazard. While you may not have to worry about their effects if you live in a newer home, older ones should be tested for these compounds before any renovation project.

How do you know if someone in your household is suffering? Here are a few common symptoms to watch out for:

  • Allergy-Like Symptoms (runny nose, sensing, wheezing, coughing, tiredness, aches, and pains)
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Itchiness
  • Sore Throat
  • Chest Pain
  • Numbness
  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Brain Fog
  • Breathing Problems
  • Muscle Aches
  • Stiffness
  • Gastrointestinal Issues
  • Mood Swings

Problem Material

We’ll be going into more detail in future blogs, but here’s a few of the most common culprits:

  • Off-Gassing. Off-gassing occurs when the chemicals in certain sealants, glues, and finishes actually leach into the air. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are most commonly reported to off-gas. Unfortunately, they are found in many different materials these days. Still, when remodeling, you can request that your builder use low VOC or VOC free building materials.
  • Paint. You know the importance of wearing a mask while painting, but what about after it dries? If you use the wrong kind, you could endanger your health. The best choice is to use low or VOC free paints.
  • Furniture. You love that new couch, but every time you sit on it for a long period of time, you seem to get a headache. Is the support poor? Probably not. The issue may be with the chemicals used to keep it together or to make the material stain resistant. Most furniture these days (including wood pieces) contain some degree of chemicals, with formaldehyde being the most common. Found in most particleboard, formaldehyde is a common cause of watery eyes and allergy-like symptoms as well as some cancers.

Ready to get started on that new remodeling project, but want to make sure that it doesn’t put your family’s health at risk? Call Quality Craftsmen today. As a Certified EarthCraft Builder and Certified Aging In Place Specialist, our staff knows exactly what products are safe for your family, allowing our skilled craftsmen to create your dream home.