KITCHEN RENOVATION AND ACHIEVING A HEALTHIER HOME

The kitchen hosts a number of activities such as meal preparation, hence the need to be a hygienic and healthy space. If your kitchen doesn’t look neat and healthy already, then a kitchen renovation will help you achieve it.

Let’s take a look at certain important aspects of kitchen renovation that can help you achieve a healthier space.

The Initial Demolition Process

Every renovation begins with a demolition. This usually includes breaking of existing kitchen components for replacement. For example, walls, cabinetry, countertops, windows, etc. Ensure that your contractor pays extra attention during demolition as they can expose your home to certain harmful substances. Hence, check for the following:

- Lead

Inhaling or consuming lead can cause harm to you. It is possible that your home has lead-based paint. Look out for this and clean the demolished area thoroughly before use

- Asbestos

Asbestos fibers when inhaled can cause harm to your body system. Some insulated components of your kitchen may likely contain asbestos. Look out for them and replace them if found

- Pest Droppings

Droppings from pests can harbor germs and bacteria. You’ll likely find these in old existing cabinetry and walls. Clean off hygienically to be safe from its harmful effects.

Proper Demolition Requirements

Tell your contractor to conduct assessment of the existing components in the kitchen and look out for the harmful substances discussed above. Then, make plans of safe disposal processes that won’t impact the environment.

Another point of concern during demolition is dust. Certainly, you can’t stop dust from rising during demolition, however you can control it. Introduce dust shields or plan to tape off the area affected by demolition. Dust can be harmful especially to people with respiratory issues.

Limit dust arising from the demolition process by returning air vents and closing off the floor. Plan a duct cleaning immediately after the demolition as  dust can only take few hours to spread through your home.

Your Kitchen Design Choice Can Help Improve Health

A very effective ventilation system will reduce mildew and molds, thus creating a balanced humidity. An exhaust vent built in the range hood will reduce moisture generated during meal preparation and cut down humidity level. For effectiveness, channel the range hood through an external wall.

It is a wrong design channeling the system to your attic or garage as this will still add moisture  to your home. A healthier option is taking the moist air completely outside the home. Feel free to add heating and cooling systems as alternative venting to make your kitchen comfortable no matter the season.

Keeping your kitchen bright and airy involves creating more windows and allowing the sunlight enter your home. Large windows and efficient glassware will improve your lighting conditions while cutting down your energy costs.

Radon build up in ducts can harm your health and also lead to increased utility bill. A proper kitchen renovation grants access to your ductwork for cleaning and checks. Ensure to seal any leakage and strengthen any weak spot before closing up the walls.

Improving Health with Building Materials

Let your renovation materials be free from any hazardous elements. Avoid products with high levels of VOC (Volatile Organic Compound). Let the paint, flooring, cabinetry, countertop materials be certified to improve health.

Tell your contractor about your preference of more natural product finishes over inorganic adhesives and chemical-based finishes. Make necessary inquiries and choose smartly.

Your Contractor Can Play a Major Role in Improving Your Home

If your contractor has the experience in working on healthier homes, he’ll be able handle your kitchen renovation with ease. That is why you need to do proper assessment of your renovation contractors before choosing. The one with extended experience will likely do better.

Of course, nobody will like to spend so much only for poor contractor experience to damage the work. Take enough time to choose a reputable contractor to handle your project. It may cost you but at least you’ll get the value back.

It is clear that renovating your kitchen can improve your home’s general health. Your kitchen’s air quality, natural lighting can be improved. You can also choose safer materials for your kitchen and eliminate harmful elements.