Kitchen renovations are a great way to improve the function, look and value of your home. Like any construction project, there are some things that could pose a health concern. Here is some advice that will make for a healthier kitchen remodel:
Check for harmful materials before demolition.
During demolition, there will be dust and debris in your home. Ask your kitchen renovation contractors to check for any harmful materials that might have been used during the construction of your home. If your house was built in the 1990s or earlier, it might have asbestos in some of the building materials. Asbestos was widely used in floor and ceiling tile, drywall compound, insulation and other common building materials. If they find asbestos, you’ll have to call in a professional asbestos remediation company to remove it for you.
Asbestos is extremely hazardous to your health, but only if it is disturbed and its fibers become airborne. This is why it’s important to check for it BEFORE anyone starts demolishing your old kitchen. Learn how to reduce your risk of exposure to asbestos in the home.
Keep dust to a minimum.
Dust and debris will be present during your kitchen remodel. While it can be controlled to a degree, it is an inevitable reality. If you have someone in the home with asthma, allergies or another respiratory condition, they will have to be extra careful around the construction area or decide to stay at a friend or family member’s house until the kitchen remodel is complete. Your kitchen renovation contractors can also install dust shields and tape off the area to prevent the dust from spreading. You should also close all the vents in the work area, so minimal dust gets into your ducts. Once the job is done, schedule a duct and furnace cleaning.
Install proper ventilation.
Your kitchen will need good ventilation to help humidity and moisture caused by cooking escape properly. The vent above your range should take the air directly outside the home through a pipe system that runs through the attic. Some homes do not have a proper range vent and the fan just blows back into the kitchen above the cabinetry. If this is your case, have one installed so you can prevent mold and mildew growth and get those cooking smells out of the house.
Ask about healthier building materials.
While most building materials do not present a major health risk these days, you should still check that you are using paint, flooring and countertop materials that do not have high levels of VOCs. Volatile Organic Compounds can continue to emit an off-gas for many years that can be harmful to your health. Sometimes the harmful chemicals are hidden in finishes, underlayment or adhesives used in products. Ask your kitchen renovation contractors to show you products that have low or no VOCs.
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