How to Keep Your Home Clean While Remodeling

Remodeling jobs surprise new homeowners with the amount of chaos they create. How, a new homeowner might wonder, did drywall dust get into my bedroom when we are working in the kitchen? To avoid an unlivable home for the weeks while you remodel, consider these tips to minimize the impact construction will have on your home.

First remove everything that you can from the area that you are remodeling. Start with items that you use for decoration. Carefully wrap these items and place them in a box. Store them far away from the remodeling area so they do not become dusty or accidentally broken. Also remove items inside cabinets and drawers. Use one box per cabinet or drawer and clearly label the outside. That way you can be certain that everything will end up in the proper location.

Next remove any furniture in the area. See if you can redistribute the furniture throughout the other rooms in your home during the remodel. Paint, stain, and the occasional rogue tool often damage furniture left in a room that is being remodeled.

If you are doing a lot of remodeling work, consider removing light fixtures and fans. This will protect them far better than a drop cloth from dust and paint. Wrap any breakable parts carefully and plan on reinstalling once the job is complete. As with any electrical work, be sure to turn of the circuit to that room before removing anything.

Cover the floor with a heavy drop cloth before beginning any large remodeling project. If you are using paint, you make sure you are using a plastic, not canvas drop cloth. Also consider attaching heavy plastic to doorframes to prevent the dust from traveling throughout the house.

If you will not use the room during the remodel, bring in all of the tools you will need to complete the job. Also set up things you will need during the process, such a sawhorse or ladder. Resist the urge to start a project and then go looking for the proper tools. Chances are you will track dust and debris all over the rest of your house.