Keeping Children Out of Harm’s Way During a Remodel

Summer is that time of year when children are out of school and underfoot. It also happens to be peak remodeling season. It is estimated that more than a million homes per year undergo major renovation or remodeling. It might be tough to keep the house kid-friendly while still allowing workers to do their jobs, but, like so many aspects of parenting, it’s a lot easier when you know what to expect. If you’re a parent planning home renovations, now is the time to prepare. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) offers the following plan of action for keeping children out of harm’s way during a remodel.

Communication Is Key
“Communicate with your remodeling contractor openly and let him or her know what to expect while working in your household,” urges Everett Collier, CR, and the president of NARI. “Inform them about your children, their ages, their behavior patterns and how mischief-prone they may be, so the contractor’s crew can be safety-aware at all times.” He also recommends having a discussion about where tools and materials will be stored, who will be responsible for cleaning the area, and what sections of wall or floor can be covered at the end of the day. Ask to be notified on days when the remodeling crew will be carrying in large pieces of equipment or building materials, and plan an activity for your children that day.

Communicate with your children as well, and be sure both they and you can anticipate the number of workers likely to be in the house at a given time, and the general work hours. Consider the proximity of the work area to your child's room or play area, and if necessary, designate a new, safe area for play and toy storage. It’s also important to set, and enforce, safety rules for kids to follow while the work crews are present.

If possible, designate an entrance for workers’ use only, and advise your children never to use that entrance. This will help keep children out of the contractor's way, and vice versa.

Environmental Protection
Lead is always an important consideration while remodeling, but it’s a special concern for parents due to its harmful effects on children. The demolition portion of a project can send lead-based paint dust airborne. Lead paint is often found in homes built before 1978 and can be especially detrimental to young children. Review the risks with your remodeling contractor or check with your local Environmental Protection Agency office for guidelines to follow. Be cognizant of when your remodeling contractor will be using hazardous chemicals and work with them to devise a proper ventilation plan. Planning a short get-away is sometimes advised after the use of strong chemical agents to allow the home to properly air out.

Minimizing Hazards
Another safety area to consider is an open window. Try to keep ladders and tempting easy-to-climb structures away from open windows. Remember that insect screens are meant for keeping out insects, and won't suffice in protecting your child from a fall.

Pool Project?
The child with the pool is the most popular kid on the block, which means you need to be the most responsible parent. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 350 children under the age of 5 drown each year in residential pools, and thousands more are treated each year for near-drowning accidents. Preventative safety measures can be taken in the pool-building process. During the design process, consider the proximity of the pool to the house. If it is very close to a second-story deck, or even overhanging tree branches, children might be tempted to jump from the structure into the pool. Plan carefully to minimize hazards and maximize safety.