Your Complete Guide to Home Safety and Renovation Projects

Home renovations provide an opportunity to increase your living space and safety. However, safety should be your number one priority throughout any renovation endeavor.
Whether updating a kitchen or remodeling a bathroom, planning is key. Understanding potential hazards can help you avoid costly accidents and ensure lasting safety.
In this guide, we’ll cover essential tips for protecting your home during and after renovations. Let’s explore the steps you can take to ensure a safer living environment.
Preparing for a Safe Renovation
Before starting any home renovation project, it’s crucial to assess the current state of your home and plan for safety. Start by identifying areas that could pose potential hazards, like faulty wiring, asbestos, or unstable structures. Asbestos is commonly found in older homes within insulation, flooring, or ceilings and poses health risks.
The EPA notes that asbestos exposure happens when disturbed materials release toxic fibers, contaminating the air and posing dangers. Long-term exposure increases the risks of lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, with symptoms developing after many years. Diagnosis involves medical history reviews, chest x-rays, and pulmonary tests to detect asbestos-related diseases.
If you’re working on a big project, consider hiring a professional inspector to check that everything is up to code. Also, make sure you have the proper permits for the job to prevent any legal difficulties.
Safety equipment is a must-have during the renovation procedure. Wearing protective equipment like gloves, goggles, and hard hats will help prevent injuries. Lastly, create a clear project timeline and budget to avoid hasty decisions that might compromise safety.
Protecting Your Kitchen from Appliance Risks
The kitchen is often the heart of the home but can also be a hotspot for accidents. Renovations, especially kitchen upgrades, bring new opportunities for improving safety and functionality. However, new appliances like stoves, dishwashers, and pressure cookers come with their own set of risks.
Improper installation or faulty appliances can cause serious accidents, such as gas leaks or water damage. One common renovation mistake is overlooking the safety of new kitchen appliances. Proper placement and installation of appliances are critical in ensuring safety and preventing hazardous situations.
Pressure cookers, in particular, can pose serious safety concerns even though they’re popular for their convenience. If they’re mishandled or defective, they can cause severe damage, including explosions.
Pressure Cooker Lawsuits: Holding Manufacturers Accountable
TorHoerman Law emphasizes that pressure cooker explosions, particularly from defective models, have led to numerous lawsuits against manufacturers. In many cases, explosions caused severe injuries, including burns, lacerations, and emotional trauma for victims. Pressure cooker manufacturers are expected to ensure their products meet safety standards.
AboutLawsuits reports that a Kentucky man alleges his Instant Pot pressure cooker exploded, causing severe burns due to design defects. The lawsuit, filed on February 20, 2024, in New Jersey, accuses the manufacturer, Midea America Co., of prioritizing profits over safety. It claims defective safety technology allowed the lid to detach under pressure, causing a pressure cooker explosion.
Recent pressure cooker lawsuits involve popular brands like Instant Pot, Crock Pot, and Ninja Foodie devices. Claims allege these devices may explode when lids are removed, even after releasing steam.
Bathroom Renovations: Avoiding Common Safety Pitfalls

Renovating a bathroom improves both functionality and aesthetics, but safety must be prioritized to avoid hazards. Ensure plumbing is updated and check for leaks that could lead to long-term water damage.
Pay attention to floor safety, as wet surfaces can cause slips and falls, especially in high-traffic areas. Electrical wiring near water sources should be carefully installed by a licensed electrician to prevent electrocution risks.
NFPA states that the importance of such precautions is clear considering that electrical hazards averaged 150 fatalities annually since 2011.
Additionally, approximately 2,428 injuries occur yearly due to exposure from poorly maintained or improperly installed systems. These statistics highlight the need to prioritize safety measures in homes and workplaces to prevent accidents.
Furthermore, you should ensure proper bathroom ventilation to reduce mold growth and avoid moisture accumulation. Install heating units away from wet areas to prevent electrical malfunctions and potential hazards. Proper lighting enhances visibility and reduces accidents in smaller, confined spaces.
Structural Safety: Ensuring Your Home is Sturdy
When undertaking structural renovations, safety is paramount to ensure the stability and security of your home.
Investopedia mentions that the foundation of your house significantly impacts the overall structural integrity and stability of the home. A slab foundation consists of concrete, typically 4″ to 6″ thick, ensuring durability and strength. Often placed on a sand layer, the concrete slab aids drainage and provides a cushion for stability.
Consulting a structural engineer is key to assessing your home’s integrity and providing expert advice. They can suggest ways to strengthen load-bearing walls, install new beams, or reinforce the foundation for added safety. Ensure all changes comply with local building codes to avoid unauthorized modifications.
Unauthorized structural modifications can compromise your home’s safety, leading to expensive repairs and legal issues. Always use high-quality materials and hire certified contractors specializing in structural work for safe, stable renovations.
Post-Renovation Safety: Protection After the Work is Done
Once your renovation is complete, review the safety of your newly updated home thoroughly. Ensure all new installations, appliances, plumbing, or electrical systems are working properly to avoid future issues.
Test fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and other safety systems to make sure they’re functional and ready for emergencies. Secure sharp edges or furniture corners with safety guards to protect young children from potential injuries.
Check that new flooring is level and free of trip hazards, ensuring safe movement throughout your home. Remove leftover construction debris, sharp tools, or toxic chemicals to avoid accidents or exposure. Regular safety checks and maintenance will help keep your home secure and safe for everyone.

FAQs
What are the benefits of hiring a renovation inspector?
Hiring a professional renovation inspector provides peace of mind by ensuring that work complies with local codes. Inspectors can detect hidden hazards such as mold or faulty plumbing, saving you from future issues. Their expertise helps identify potential problems early, making renovations safer and more cost-effective.
How do I safely store kitchen appliances?
Store kitchen appliances in dry, safe areas where they are protected from moisture, heat, or physical damage. Use proper shelves and storage to keep electrical appliances away from water sources, which can pose a risk of electrocution. Proper storage reduces accidents and extends the life of appliances.
What safety features should I add to a bathroom?
Install grab bars, non-slip mats, and proper lighting to make the bathroom safer for all users. Additionally, use rounded corners on bathroom furniture to prevent injury from sharp edges. A well-lit, clutter-free space helps prevent trips, falls, and other accidents, ensuring safety in wet environments.
How can I strengthen my home’s foundation?
Consider options like underpinning, slab jacking, or installing support piers to reinforce a weak foundation. A structural engineer can recommend the best method based on the severity of the foundation issues. Strengthening the foundation ensures that your home remains stable, preventing future damage from settling or shifting.
How do I check if the new plumbing is working properly?
Test plumbing by running water through all faucets, and checking for leaks, pressure, or drainage issues. To verify that everything is in working order, monitor the water temperature and flow uniformity. If you discover any problems, call a plumber for a thorough check to avoid water damage and system failure.
Home renovations are exciting but come with a lot of responsibility. Safety should always be your top priority. Before you start, make sure to check for potential hazards like asbestos, faulty wiring, or structural weaknesses. It’s important to hire professionals when needed and always use proper safety gear.
Regular inspections and careful planning are key to avoiding accidents and ensuring everything’s up to code. Whether updating your kitchen or adding new features, a little extra effort in safety can go a long way. Remember, a well-planned, safe renovation leads to a home you’ll enjoy for years to come.