Remodeling a home can be an imposing prospect. Not only will there be disruption on the whole house, but there is also a potential impact on your indoor air quality. This means that before you finalize your remodel plans, there are some factors you may want to consider.
Moisture and Water:
When you are remodeling or building on to your home, one of the most frequent problems is excessive moisture. You may find that the grade is not built to cope with the additional space or that moisture is more difficult to block from your property. It is vital that any additions you make are just as watertight as your original construction. This can help to protect your family from major health concerns including dust mites and moisture or humidity borne pollutants.
Proper Ventilation:
Many people make the assumption that the best thing to do is tightly close their homes to block out any pollutants. Unfortunately, indoor air can contain up to 100 times more pollutants and allergens than outdoor air, if there isn’t proper ventilation. Stale, stagnant air that is filled with pollen, dander, and dust can create a number of negative health effects. To avoid this, you will need to consider how you can extend your ventilation to ensure that the new addition is supported.
Construction Debris:
One of the most common factors affecting air quality during a remodel is dust and other construction debris. Whether you are simply upgrading an existing room or making an addition, it is likely to generate a great deal of dust. You will need to take a number of preventative measures, such as sealing up vents to ensure that this dust and debris is not drawn into your HVAC system to prevent it from being circulated all around your home.
Flooring:
The choice of flooring for your remodel can have a massive impact on your indoor air quality. You will need to ensure that any water that gets on the floor, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms can be removed before it penetrates to the wood underneath. All fixtures and tiles will need to be properly sealed as an important priority.
Potentially Unsafe Materials:
During the remodel, you can be fairly certain that any materials used will be safe as there are strict regulations in place. Unfortunately, before 1978 the regulations were not as stringent. So, if your home was constructed before this date, there is a risk that there could be potentially unsafe materials exposed during the renovation. For example, flaking paint could contain lead that may enter the air. There is also a risk that your pipes, wiring, and walls may contain asbestos insulation. Asbestos requires specialist disposal as the fibers can be dangerous to health.
Remodeling a home can be a big step. You may find that you become a little overwhelmed with the planning of all the little details. While there are some important considerations for completing the work, don’t forget that air quality should be considered a priority during and after any construction. There are some fantastic HVAC resources available to help you to determine the factors to consider for each room as you make any changes.