Should You Live In Your Home During A Renovation?
Deciding whether to live in your home during a remodel can be a tough call, especially if non-toxic living is a priority. On the one hand, the prospect of double rent or mortgage payments and the upheaval of moving can be daunting. On the other hand, enduring the dust, chemicals, noise, and disruption of a major renovation project while living in the home can be equally challenging. In this blog post, we’re exploring the essential considerations, focusing on minimizing exposure to toxins often released during renovations, so you can make an informed choice that prioritizes your family's health, well-being, and budget!
Summary:
Health Risks: Minimize exposure to toxins (VOCs, dust) released during renovations.
Ventilation Challenge: Balance fresh air and toxin release with uncomfortable temperatures caused by open windows/doors.
Living with Contractors: Expect disruption to daily routines and potential project delays.
Minimize Toxin Exposure On-Site (for the Brave): Utilize air purifiers, dust control measures, and strategic cleaning routines.
The Final Verdict: Consider project size, budget, and tolerance for disruption. Open communication with your contractor is crucial.
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Understanding the Risk: Off-Gassing and Toxins
When it comes to remodeling, off-gassing is a major concern. This process involves the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from building materials, furniture, and cleaning products, which can pose serious health risks. Compounds like formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene can irritate the respiratory system and have been linked to various health issues, including headaches and cancers (yikes!).
Moreover, the demolition phase itself can stir up dust containing lead paint, asbestos fibers (if your home was built before the 1980s), and other harmful substances. The risk of exposure to these toxins is significantly higher when you are living in the midst of a renovation. Selecting non-toxic building materials with minimal off-gassing is even more important when living in your home during a renovation. Check out this blog post on non-toxic plywood!
Ventilation: A Double-Edged Sword
Proper ventilation is crucial for minimizing toxin exposure during remodeling. While opening windows and doors helps dissipate VOCs and dust, it also invites weather-related discomfort. Enduring extreme temperatures (like a South Texas Summer) while surrounded by construction noise and open windows isn't anyone's idea of comfort.
The Contractor Tango: A Balancing Act
Sharing your living space with a construction crew for weeks or months can be disruptive. The constant flow of workers, tools, and materials can make it difficult to maintain a sense of normalcy. Simple tasks like cooking dinner or getting ready for work can become an obstacle course. Further, a construction crew trying to navigate your routine and schedule can also slow down the project's overall efficiency.
Beyond the Obvious: Additional Considerations
There are other factors to weigh:
Pets and Children: The presence of pets and young children can be a significant concern during a remodel. Keeping them safe from dust, debris, and potentially hazardous materials requires extra vigilance. At least relocating pets and children during active construction might be necessary.
Noise and Disruption: Constant hammering, sawing, and general construction noise can be stressful and disruptive to work-from-home individuals or those with noise sensitivities (or any normal human being for that matter).
Plumbing and Electrical Disruptions: Depending on the scope of your remodel, you might face temporary disruptions to your home's plumbing and electrical systems. This can significantly impact your daily routine and comfort level.
Mental and Emotional Toll: Living in a construction zone can be psychologically taxing. The constant mess, noise, and disruption can take a toll on your mental well-being and patience.
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How To Minimize Toxin Exposure When Living In Your Home During A Renovation
If, after careful consideration, you’re feeling brave and decide to stay in your home during the remodel phase, here are some tips to minimize your exposure to toxins:
Seal Off the Renovation Zone: Work with your contractor to create a contained work area using plastic sheeting and doorway barriers. This minimizes dust and VOCs spreading throughout the rest of your living space.
HEPA + Carbon Air Purifiers: Invest in high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifiers with activated carbon filters for the rooms you'll be occupying. HEPA filters capture dust particles, while the carbon filters absorb harmful chemicals and VOCs, providing a two-pronged approach to cleaner air.
Select Non-Toxic Construction Materials: Minimize your exposure to VOCs with healthier material choices. Check out this blog post on non-toxic glues!
Schedule Strategically: Coordinate with your contractor to schedule noisy or dusty work for times when you can be out of the house- i.e. during work/school hours or weekend trips.
Minimize Time Spent in the Renovation Zone: Limit your time spent in the area undergoing renovation. If possible, create a temporary living space within your home, away from the construction zone.
Dust Control Measures: Encourage your contractor to implement dust control measures like using vacuums with HEPA filters and wetting dusty materials before demolition.
Clean Up Daily: Maintain a strict cleaning routine to remove dust and debris from surfaces throughout your home. Focus on frequently used areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms.
Change Clothes: Dedicate specific clothing for use inside the renovation zone and change into clean clothes before re-entering your living areas.
Shower Before Bed: Showering before bed helps remove dust particles that may have settled on your skin and hair throughout the day.
Consider Professional Deep Cleaning: Once the major renovations are complete, consider a professional deep cleaning service to remove lingering dust and debris from your entire home. This professional cleaning should ideally utilize HEPA vacuums and other tools specifically designed for post-construction cleanup. Deep cleaning is standard practice after building a custom home but may need to be specifically requested for a renovation.
The Final Verdict: Should You Live in Your Home During a Renovation?
Ultimately, the decision of whether to stay in your home during a remodel is a personal one- but we HIGHLY recommend relocating if at all possible! Weigh the hassle of double rent or temporary housing against the potential health risks and disruption of living amidst construction.
Here’s a summary of key factors to consider when making your decision:
The scope of the remodel: A small bathroom renovation might be more manageable than a whole-house project.
The length of the project: Shorter projects are easier to endure while living on-site.
Your personal health: If you have respiratory issues or allergies, exposure to dust and toxins might be more problematic.
Your budget and relocation options: The cost of temporary housing can be a significant factor, but consider family and friends who may be willing to take you in (we know-easier said than done!).
The presence of infants and children: Please consider at least relocating these vulnerable guys to stay with family during peak construction.
Your tolerance for disruption: Consider how well you and your family can cope with the noise, mess, and inconvenience of a renovation.
No matter which path you choose, prioritizing open communication with your contractor is key. Discuss your concerns about dust, VOCs, and minimizing disruption. A reputable contractor will work with you to develop a plan that best serves your priorities.
By understanding the challenges and taking the necessary precautions, you can create a safe and healthy environment for yourself and your family, even during a renovation!
P.S. Curious about non-toxic materials to use during your renovation? Download “10 Non-Toxic Swaps For Your Custom Home or Remodel”
