So springtime is near, and the itch to make household repairs and upgrades is abounding. Fresh paint here, new flooring there, and maybe even some lighting or decoration! As exciting as a home remodel can be, it is truly important to be sure you have the right tools and information before you begin ripping out walls and such. Here are some helpful and safe tips to follow:
1. If fixing some problem… THEN FIX THE PROBLEM! It is common for us as busy individuals to paint ove
r this and putty over that, but first you may want to investigate what the underlying issue may be. When making repairs to seam cracks, paint chipping and all the above, take the time to look into the cause, then maybe you won’t be fixing it again down the road! Moisture or structural damages are often the cause of significant paint/wall issues. Fix it right the first time and save yourself some headaches in the end!
2. Be extremely cautious of asbestos and lead based paint! Before you begin ripping out flooring and covering up paint, it is important that you be educated on these two topics. Asbestos became increasingly popular among manufacturers and builders in the late 19th century due to its resistance to heat, electricity and chemical damage, sound absorption and tensile strength. Unfortunately, inhaling asbestos fibers can cause serious illnesses, and since the mid 1980’s many uses of asbestos have been banned in our country. However, if you are dealing with a home prior to that time, asbestos may be found in deteriorating, damaged, or disturbed insulation, fireproofing, acoustical materials, and floor tiles. “Stirring up” asbestos is dangerous to your health and should be done by a certified professional! When is comes to lead based paint, you are primarily at risk if your home was built before 1978. If that is the case, it is best to assume that some traces of lead based paint may exist in your home, and consult a professional! Lead based paint is particularly dangerous for children under the age of six, and the dust or fragments of the paint can be lethal when ingested!
3. Use appropriate storage and disposal practices for paints, solvents and other materials! Help protect our environment and each other by following the provided guidelines for waste removals. Be sure containers are carefully sealed after each use, not only for everybody’s safety, but also the life of your product. Keep paint containers in specified areas, and not directly near heating, ventilation or air conditioners.
4. Be considerate!!! I know when I set off to accomplish a home project, I am anxious to get the work done in a timely fashion. However, as fellow neighbors (assuming you are located in a neighborhood) make sure to keep the “noisy” work for daytime hours… if you’re pounding in the middle of the night, some of your neighbors may want to pound you! 
5. Have fun! Making big and little changes around the house should be a fun and exciting time. Whether you’re making big additions and alterations, or just painting a little here and there, HAVE FUN! Be sure to map how long the project is going to take along with the cost, and really try to keep to that budget and time frame. The worst kind of home project is the one that never gets done, or the one that blows the bank. Be sure you are financially able to start a project before you actually start the project! In the long run, updating and giving your home a fresh look will add equity when you go to sell, but unfinished projects can have the opposite effect.
And finally, when you are ready to make a move (whether buying or selling)… don’t forget to give me a call!!!
Jill Davis
Realty Executives Lafayette
765-414-0579
www.JillDavisRealEstate.com
