Renovations to Increase Safety

I am the product of an unsafe home. My childhood home was a minefield of potential disasters. Tumbles down the stairs, long jagged cuts from chipped wood, blows to the head from falling tiles. These were the wonderful bounties provided by my childhood home. If you are living in a home where you are constantly skirting disaster, you might want to consider pulling out the hammer and nails to renovate. By renovating your home with safety in mind, you can prevent unnecessary accidents, save money on doctor bills, and create a house you can be proud to call home. 

Tip 1: Installing or Replacing Windows

Do your bedrooms lack windows? Or are the windows slits that only small animals can fit through? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should start your renovation project with your windows.  Bedroom windows do more than offer natural light and a wonderful view. They are meant to offer an alternate means of escape if the occupant is trapped in the room. Failure to install windows into your home’s bedrooms could be disastrous.

You can either install new windows or replace old ones by hiring a contractor or doing it yourself. If you plan on doing the installation yourself, you should check out this article.

Tip 2: Install a Railing

Do you have a staircase without a rail? Do you have family members or regular guests who are unstable on their feet? If you answered yes to both questions, you might want to think about installing a railing in your home. Older, younger, and clumsy individuals can use the railing to maintain their balance while walking up and down the stairs. Even individuals who normally choose not to use the railing can grab onto it to stop an unexpected fall. A railing is especially important if the staircase is steep or the stairs are uneven because an accident is more likely to occur. 

You can hire a construction worker or handyman to install your railing, but I would not recommend it. The installation process is easy enough to be accomplished by virtually anyone. 

Tip 3: Replace the Door

Are your doors flimsy wood or plastic? If you answered yes to this question, your home is vulnerable to intruders. Wood and plastic doors are easier to break into. Intruders can easily remove the door from its hinges, cut through the door with basic tools, or kicked in the door. You can increase your family’s safety by installing a steel door. The steel door, frame, and tamper resistant hinges will significantly increase the safety of the occupants of your home.  

You can pick up a steel door at your local hardware store. Once purchased they are relatively easy to install. 

Tip 4: Remaining Safe While Renovating. 

Just remember that your family needs to remain safe during the renovation process. An unsafe renovation can do as much damage as an unsafe home. Here are some ways to keep your family safe while renovating:

• Let your family know you are renovating. 
• Try to complete renovations while most of the family is away. 
• Never start a new project before you finish the current one. 
• Put away tools when they’re not in use. 
• Keep children out of rooms that are being renovated. 

Home safety can save your family a lot of pain. By installing windows, doors, and railings, you can create a safe and secure home for your family. The increased safety and security will grant you the peace of mind to enjoy your home and family.

Allen Grove finished installing hand rails, windows, a security system, and fire alarms into his home a few months ago. He enjoys the increased safety and the reduction to his Dallas home insurance.