With the increase in housing costs as well as higher interest rates, renovating older homes has become one of the only viable options for many Australians. As the price of homes is predicted to continue to climb, homeowners are looking to tap into their equity and breathe new life into their homes. However, renovating an older home comes with its own set of challenges and safety risks. It’s important to ensure that your renovation is carried out safely and efficiently to avoid costly mistakes, health hazards, and unnecessary delays.

Read on as we look at essential renovation safety tips to help you address health and safety concerns before you embark on your renovation journey.

1. Conduct Asbestos Testing

One of the most important renovation safety tips before starting any construction work, especially in older buildings, is to have professional asbestos testing conducted. Asbestos is a significant health concern in many older buildings. If your property was built before the 1980s, there’s a strong chance that asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are hiding in your home. Before you panic, know that asbestos exposure becomes a concern only when asbestos is disturbed. This happens when renovating an older home. As asbestos exposure can lead to serious respiratory diseases, asbestos testing is crucial to mitigate these risks before any demolition or renovation begins.

2. Get a Dilapidation Survey and Report

Renovations not only affect your property but also your neighbour’s. This is where a dilapidation survey and report comes into play. It is an essential service that documents the condition of your property and its surrounding buildings before any work begins. This report is essentially a baseline to compare changes or damages that might occur during or after the renovation of the neighbouring properties.

Having a dilapidation survey helps to avoid disputes with neighbours regarding any property damage. The survey documents any pre-existing defects and provides photographic evidence that can be used to assess any changes post-renovation.

Additionally, this helps to protect your safety. This report identifies any structural and safety issues that need to be rectified before any work begins. Renovation safety tips serve to reduce any chance of injury and dilapidation reports are at the centre of this.

3. Understand and Manage Hazardous Materials

Renovations often involve the removal of old building materials, many of which can contain hazardous substances like lead paint, mould, or other toxic chemicals. It’s crucial to understand the potential risks and take measures to identify the materials and handle them with care.

Before starting work, inspect your home to identify any hazardous materials such as lead or mould. If hazardous materials are found, ensure you follow proper removal and disposal to avoid health risks. And remember to always wear PPE when handling or removing hazardous materials!

4. Comply with Local Building Codes and Regulations

Renovations are regulated by local building codes and safety standards that are designed to protect your property and the safety of contractors. These regulations can vary by state, so it’s important to ensure your project is compliant with legal requirements.

To comply, consult with a licensed builder in your area. They will guide you in obtaining the necessary permits and ensuring that your renovation complies with all relevant codes. Failing to do so can lead to costly fines or delays.

5. Prepare for Structural Risks and Stability

Depending on the scope of your project, renovation safety tips include engaging a structural engineer if you are altering any structural elements, such as walls, floors, or the roof. If you’re removing load-bearing walls or making significant changes to the building’s foundation, it’s critical to have professional advice. Proper planning and engineering will prevent accidents and ensure that your renovations are stable and secure.

Renovation Safety Tips From QBM

By prioritising renovation safety tips before starting your project, you ensure the protection of both your health and the well-being and of those around you. Whether it’s conducting asbestos testing, ensuring your property is protected with a dilapidation survey, or following local building regulations, taking these precautions will save you time, money, and stress in the long run.

For more information on the safety of your next project, call QBM today.