When remodelling a family home, it’s important to take safety into consideration both in terms of the work being undertaken and the end result (i.e., a remodelled home that is safe for children). So, what are the fundamentals of remodelling a family home safely? Let’s dive in!

Ensuring the Construction is Safe and Sound

Firstly, when having a family home remodelled, there are a wide range of safety steps to consider. Since professionals will be required to revitalise your home, you can always run through the required safety steps with them. In today’s guide, we’ll cover just some of the core safety steps which may be required.

Relevant Surveys

When having a family home remodelled, an array of surveys will likely be needed. The surveys which may be required include a building survey, damp survey, chimney tests, drain inspection, and woodworm and fungal survey.

It’s essential that all relevant surveys are undertaken to ensure that your property is safe and structurally sound ahead of being remodelled.

RSJ Installation

An RSJ may be used in a range of scenarios to provide structural support for a home during a construction or/and renovation project.

Usually, an RSJ will be needed if:

• Removing a load bearing wall
• Property extension construction
• Having bifold doors installed
• Loft conversion is taking place
• Removing a chimney breast

The average RSJ cost generally lands between £1,600 and £2,500. However, prices can vary depending on several factors including the cost of labour in your area.

Renovation Insurance

This part is more related to your financial safety than the safety of the property itself. Renovation Insurance is needed when having a home remodelled since you’ll be responsible for the site. 

The purpose of renovation Insurance is to cover a property when building work is underway. Renovation insurance may also be called building work insurance, building renovation insurance or house refurbishment insurance.

Proof of insurance and a warranty may be required to take out a mortgage to fund a home remodelling project. It’s important to let your insurer know when major renovations are taking place to ensure your standard policy remains valid. Insurance should feature employer’s and liability, public liability.

You’ll also want cover for the following (and more may be required):

• Works
• Tools
• Legal expenses
• Existing structure
• Temporary buildings
• Personal accident cover

Building Regulations and Planning Permission

You’ll need to also look into applying for building regulations and planning permission approval. Contact your local council or consult with a professional if you’d like to know more details about how these would apply in your case,

What Else to Consider?

Along with the points already raised, you’ll want to consider the following:

• Ensuring you hire the right professional(s) for the job
• Make certain that any gas and electric works are performed in a safe manner by suitable professionals
• Do not hire cowboy contractors – ensure they have all necessary qualifications or/and experience

Remodelling A Family Home Safely

So, what does a safely remodelled home look like for the entire family? This will depend on factors such as the age of your children. However, we’ll now look at some top examples.

Keep Dangerous Items and Fittings Out of Reach

This point applies to a mix of appliances, fixtures and items and so isn’t entirely a matter of the actual house design.

For example, you’ll want to ensure young children cannot reach the boiler or electrical equipment. Moreover, items that could pose a danger to children or/and pets should also be kept out of reach (e.g., medication, razors, cleaning products, etc.).

Buffering Hard Edges

Another way of keeping a home safe for the entire family involves buffering edges (e.g., edges of a coffee table or radiator). Be sure to use suitable materials. After all, you do not want to buffer a radiator’s edges in a way that could result in the material being burned or damaged.

Summary

All in all, there are a range of steps needed to ensure the remodelling of a family home safely and that the end result is also safe and used in a responsible manner.

There is a myriad of other safety considerations that may apply depending on the type of renovation work being undertaken. Therefore, you should certainly discuss these matters in more detail with the construction team or/and the designer/architect of the renovation(s).

Lastly, whether for the design process or construction itself, you’ll want to ensure you hire the right person/company for the job. Therefore, it’s best to get three or more quotes before deciding on who to hire. You’ll want to compare their prices, experience and any reviews or ratings they have online. It’s also worth considering who you get on best with.

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