13 Safety Tips for DIY Home Improvement

Do you want to make your home more comfortable, but are afraid of the safety risks? Yes, risks are everywhere in your home improvement project, but you can reduce the risk of accidents by yourself. Here is a list of 13 tips to note that may help keep you safe.

1. Carefully Plan Your Project

Prepare everything you need at the start of your project. And have a clear plan of what to do first, then what next…

2. Know Your Limitations

One of the most important things to remember when doing any type of home improvement is to know your limitations. Projects that seem simple can often turn into disasters if you are not familiar with the tools or techniques required. Be honest about your abilities and research the project before starting it. This will help prevent accidents and ensure a successful outcome.

3. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Keep your work area clean and organized. Make sure all cords are tucked away so that you don’t trip on them. Keep flammable materials, such as paint thinner, out of the reach of children and pets.

4. Protect Your Head

As you know, head safety is important. Wear a hard hat if you are working with tools or materials that could fall and hit you on the head.

5. Protect Your Eyes

Eyes protection is important in your home improvement projects. Wear safety goggles or masks when using power tools, drilling, or sawing.

6. Dress for Safety

Wear the proper clothes when working with any tools. This includes long pants and shoes that cover your toes, in case you drop something heavy on your foot or slip while walking across a wet surface.

7. Careful to Ladders

Make sure your ladder is the right length for the job at hand and make sure it’s stable on whatever surface you’re trying to reach, whether that’s a roof or an upper kitchen cabinet. Always take care when climbing up or down large ladders as well.

8. Don’t Work in the Dark

Sometimes home improvement projects will take place in basements, where there is little to no light. If you’re going to be working in dim areas, make sure that there are adequate lighting options (for example, a LED light or a flashlight) nearby at all times.

9. Read the Instructions

Always read the instructions carefully before beginning a home improvement project. This will help you understand the risks and dangers involved, as well as how to properly complete the project.

10. Equipped with Fire Extinguishers

It’s crucial to access fire extinguishers in your home improvement working area. Be sure to check if the fire extinguisher is in good condition and fill with pressurized air when necessary. Keep it at hand for quick access and remember that your family, friends or pets need special attention during home improvement projects as well.

11. Be Careful with Electrical

Make sure to turn off electrical in the room you are working on, and when leaving be careful not to trip over cords or wires that could cause injuries use caution around exposed outlets. 

Be sure to use a non-contact voltage tester before touching anything that might be connected to an electric current. This will ensure there is no electricity running through the equipment and it is safe to work on.

12. Take Care with Power Tools

Power tools injury is the main factor to cause home improvement injuries. So, please be careful when you are using them. The common power tools that cause estimated injuries in 2017 as follows: 

• Table Saws: 33,000 injuries a year 
• Chain Saw: 26,610 injuries a year   
• Circular Saw: 15,013 injuries   
• Nail Gun: 9,095 injuries 

13. Take your time

One of the best ways to stay safe while home improvement is to take your time. Rushing can lead to mistakes and accidents, so be sure to plan each step ahead of time and go slow when working.

Final Thought

If you are considering a home improvement project, it is important to be safe. Some projects can be dangerous if they are not done correctly or in an unsafe environment. You can refer to these 13 safety tips for home improvement before you start your next project.