Safety Precautions When Renovating a Kitchen

Electrical Updating

• Electricity usage is a big part of the kitchen, as this room houses more appliances and electrical devices than just about any other space in the home. Installing or updating electrical components, particularly in homes more than 50 years old, is an important first step and one that is best left for a professional. For novice electricians, a wiring diagram is invaluable, as it will contain detailed information about the wiring process and indicate the placement of wires, outlets and control panels.

The Three P’s

• According to Home-Improvement-and-Financing.com, the “three p’s” of home renovation are planning, permits and protection. Planning is particularly important for kitchen remodels, as it requires measuring first and foremost, including cabinets, appliances, countertops and other essentials, where mistakes usually cost big and crush budgets. The planning phase also gives time to figure out where electrical wires or load bearing walls are located. Permits are the second "P" and essential in making sure the remodel will pass inspection. Finally, protection, which entails making a list of required equipment and brushing up on instruction manuals and guidelines.

Safety Equipment

• When demolishing a kitchen, a great deal of dust and debris will be present, and both are harmful to the respiratory tract, eyes and other organs. Eye, ear and mouth protection -- safety glasses, ear plugs and respirators -- are basic necessities of a kitchen remodel. Gloves, a hard hat and closed-toe shoes are also appropriate. Use equipment that is appropriately sized to avoid sprains, strains and serious injuries. Homes built prior to the 1970s are significantly more likely to house asbestos and lead-based paints, both of which carry serious side effects and should be handled only by professionals.

Additional Safety Measures

• Though it’s basic, a fully stocked, easily accessible first aid kit should be available on-site and its location known to all workers. A well-stocked first aid kit will include compression dressings, adhesive bandages, antiseptic, gauze and tweezers. A full list is provided by the American Red Cross. Always consult with an experienced professional prior to undertaking any project to keep expectations realistic and to prevent undertaking a project more advanced than is appropriate. Never work on a project alone, particularly in a kitchen remodel, as a second pair of hands is essential in installing floors, cabinets, countertops and just about anything else in the space.