If you need to repair or remodel your home, you should prepare your family in advance. The workers need to get the job done without interference, so preparing a schedule is in your best interest.
Here are some tips to prepare your family for an upcoming home construction project.
Understand the Scope of the Project
Speak to the contractor in charge of your home construction project so they can explain how long the project will take. You can also ask them to address any safety concerns and how they will affect the family.
If the project takes less than two weeks and is not very risky, talk to your family and see if they're able to stay while the work goes on. However, if the project takes more than two weeks, you might need to consider evacuating your family and staying with other loved ones or friends.
Staying out of the workers' way as they carry on the project is best for everyone. You'll help reduce the chances of accidents; for example, scaffolding accidents are most common in the construction industry. In fact, statistics show that American employers pay approximately $90 million per year in lost workdays caused by scaffolding accidents.
If you're staying away while the construction work goes on, pack like you're going on a vacation. Account for everything you'll need so that you don't have to keep going back to the house. Staying out of the construction workers' way will get the job done faster.
Stock Up Your Refrigerator
If your family decides to stay around when the construction happens, you need to prepare and freeze food beforehand. You'll not be able to cook with all the construction chaos, and you can't survive on fast food all that time.
You can set up a temporary kitchen to warm your food and prepare simple meals and snacks for the family. You can also use disposable plates and utensils to reduce washable dishes. If you have old appliances in the kitchen, don't throw them out just yet! You can use them in the makeshift kitchen.
Set Clear Parameters of Places That Are Out Of Bounds
Forklift operators are trained and renew their licenses every three years, so they'll know the best way to go about setting parameters for your family for the duration of the construction project. Once you speak with the construction team, discuss with your family members and tell them the areas they need to stay away from.
Discuss with your family what to do with pets. Pets don't understand boundaries as well as humans do, and it might be hard to keep them in check. You can have a friend take care of your pets while construction is ongoing. Alternatively, you can take them to a kennel until the construction is over.
Set Up a Family Relaxation Room
With all the construction noise in your home, your family needs a quiet place to relax. Set apart a room in the house away from the construction site for your family to watch television, have conversations, tell stories, and bond. It could be one of the bedrooms or even the garage.
You also need to clear an ample space for cabinets, flooring, and appliance delivery. A garage is an excellent option if it's clean and dry. According to the Statistics Database, one in 10 homes has plumbing leaks. If your garage has plumbing leaks, fix them to create a clean and dry storage area.
When you take up a construction or remodeling project for your home, you need to prepare the family for it. Use these tips to help navigate your family in the right direction so the project can go smoothly and safely.
