Protect your self when renovating your home. Here is WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW, and WHO YOU SHOULD KNOW.

From minor updates such as replacing the vanity in your bathroom to major renovations such as an entire kitchen remodel, it is extremely important to make sure your home air quality isn’t compromised during these projects.

Follow these steps outlined below to make sure your renovation isn’t contaminating your home air:

#1 Hire a reputable contractor for all renovation work and express your air quality concerns

Even if you are looking for a handyman to tackle a small job, make sure that they can provide you with a list of references from completed projects. Use the web as a tool in researching local contractors in your area. Ask your contractor what they plan on doing to contain any dangerous particles, mold spores, and VOCs that may become airborne during your renovation. Containment should be a priority to safeguard your home and your health, especially if you are living in your home during the renovation.

If using paint or varnish, implement as much ventilation as possible for several weeks during and after the job is completed. When replacing flooring, research environmentally friendly options that do not contain formaldehyde.

#2 Rent a commercial grade air purifier for the duration of the project

The best protection against construction dust and dangerous airborne particles is to have containment measures and remediation equipment in place. Have air purifiers running around the clock to filter your air. Make sure all air ducts are covered in the renovation areas. High quality air purifiers should suffice for smaller home renovations or do-it-yourself projects. Mold & Mildew Solutions can rent this equipment to you. These "air scrubbing" units need to be left  running during the entire duration of your project.

#3 Thoroughly clean up after the project is completed and then have your home air tested

As soon as the project has been completed, perform a deep cleaning of your home to make sure all dust particles and toxins are removed. Use a commercial grade HEPA filtered vacuum to pick up any remaining particles and change out your filter once the project has been completed. Open the windows to air out your home. After any renovation work is finished, contact your indoor air professional to make sure that there aren’t any lingering dangers.

For projects concerning mold and water it is recommended that testing is done before demolition begins. If you take what is called the "pre test" as an Indoor Air Quality, you will know what the condition is before you start your project. When a" post test" is done after, you prove that the remediation was successful and that the area was brought back to a healthy state.

Knowledge is the best protection you have against harmful airborne particles and VOCs. Test your air for VOCs and formaldehyde to make sure that it is safe once all renovation work is completed.

At Mold & Mildew Solutions we care about the health of your environment. We are ethical and practical. We preform Mold Inspections, Indoor Air Quality Sampling and VOC Testing. We do other type of testing upon request. We also have equipment for rent and expertise for hire for those jobs you want to tackle by yourself. We want to be your go company for heavy duty cleaning and decontamination issues, along with water and mold issues in Birmingham, AL. Feel free to contact us via email at [email protected] or call at 205-252-9506

Candace Ramey www.alabamamold.com