Keeping Allergies at Bay During a Home Improvement Project

A home remodeling project can cause stress on several fronts, especially when it comes to concerns about budgets and timelines.  However, there’s one stress that doesn’t get a lot of attention, but still can create havoc and that’s allergies.  Whether you consistently suffer from allergies or not, there are steps every homeowner can take in order to ensure that they experience minimal physical discomfort during their remodel.

1. Working Outdoors When Painting Or Staining

When it’s possible, have materials that need to be painted and stained done off-site and then brought into your home.  This will cut back on off-gassing.

2. Choose Non-Toxic Building Materials

There are certain building materials that are notorious for emitting strong scents that can cause irritation.  Select toxic free paints, wallpapers and varnishes.  Stay away from building materials that contain formaldehyde, which can irritate the skin and airways.

3. Regularly Change Your Furnace Air Filter For Allergy Mitigation

Your furnace filter will age more rapidly during a home improvement project because of the all particles floating through the air.  Keep a close eye on it and change it out as often as necessary to help your family breathe easier.

4. Minimizing Drywall Dusty, Debris & Mold

When remodeling, dust is the number one aggressor of allergy symptoms that can include sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose and throat irritation.  That’s because dust particles often contain traces of pet dander, mold spores and pollen.  Hanging a plastic sheet over the doorways of the area being worked on can confine the drywall dust and debris to a single area.  When the room is complete, drop the sheet outdoors through a window instead of tracking it through your entire home.   It’s also a good idea to close off the vents in the room being remodeled so the particles do not circulate through your home’s venting system.  Because you spend roughly 8 hours per day in your bedroom, it’s smart to block off any open space underneath the door so that dust cannot enter that area.

Get a Behind The Scenes Look At A Kitchen Renovation We Executed: 

5. Your Furry Friends Isolated From Construction Area

Even if your pet is used to roaming your home freely, it’s important to keep them away from the construction zone.  That’s because your pet’s fur can trap construction debris and track it all over your home.