Over time, a house can deteriorate, lose its value or just not suit one’s needs anymore. At such a critical stage, it becomes necessary to renovate the house and make certain repairs to keep up with the ever-changing needs and trends of a modern family. By remodeling and repairing an outdated property, you won’t only be providing a boost in home value, but you’ll also be saving money on utility bills, creating more space for the family and improving indoor air quality. Talking about air, if you have a dust allergy or asthma, how can you live through household renovations?
Did You Make a Good Decision?
Allergic asthma is the most common form of asthma. In general, it is caused by inhaling allergens like dust mites, pet dander, pollen, mold and mildew and it is characterized by symptoms like sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, dizziness, tiredness wheezing and shortness of breath. Most people tend to underestimate the consequences of this type of asthma because of the symptoms that appear to be “too common.” However, keep in mind that asthma is recognized as a life-threatening condition that can and has killed many people in the past. So, before you undertake any major household renovation and expose yourself to a high number of contaminants, ask yourself if your decision is worthy or not. And, I strongly suggest visiting an allergist or your regular doctor for more professional advice.
If you were given the go-ahead, then here are some tips that would help you to survive house renovations.
Cleaning and Decluttering
There are many people who are allergic to dust, but that doesn’t mean they are lovers of housework. It’s a fact that no one loves cleaning –at least, no one in their right mind. But, given your health condition, even if you are in the middle of a major house remodeling, you cannot let things pile up. In fact, I’d say it’s the perfect time to get rid of all the unnecessary things that have been taking up space in your house. It’s not joyful to have empty shelves where once-treasured tomes were stacked, but did you know much dust can these “treasured tomes” accumulate?
Decluttering your immediate environment will declutter your mind as well. It can be overwhelming to actually get started, but it’s worth the time and effort. A general rule of thumb is to throw or donate anything that hasn’t been used for 2 years. Trust me, once you get rid of all those old newspapers, books and magazines, extra kitchen utensils and worn-out clothes, you will immediately feel a positive vibe from the house.
And, while the house is getting whipped into shape, remember that you have to try and keep the dust levels as low as possible. I know house cleaning is not easy, especially when the house is being renovated, but if you care enough about your health, you will make that extra effort. So, here are some tips to help you keep the house as clean as possible during the renovation process:
- Sweep or vacuum all the living areas, including all the corners and crevices, after every day of work.
- Try to wipe down a maximum of surfaces, including kitchen counters and bathroom countertops.
- The eating area in the house should be kept clean at all costs.
- During the whole renovation process, make sure there is a rubbish bin in every room of the house.
- It’s equally important to use cleaning detergents that are unscented and free of dyes.
Choose the Right Paint
One of the key stages involved in home remodeling is interior painting. However, according to a recent European study, there are certain preservatives present in over 95 % of water-based acrylic paints that can trigger an allergic reaction.
Luckily for you, many certified asthma and allergy-friendly paints are available on the market today. To learn more about them, click here!
