Is your home helping or hurting your health? Studies show that we spend 90 percent of our time indoors—and a good portion of that time in our own homes. Unfortunately, our homes can harbor countless health hazards including mold, bacteria, toxic chemicals, and allergens. Banishing these threats from your home will provide some immediate health benefits. Start planning a few remodeling projects to turn your home into a safe haven where you and your family can truly thrive.
DIY Projects
There are several ways to make your home a healthier place without hiring outside help. For example, installing a water filter under your kitchen sink is a great way to avoid consuming chlorine and any other chemicals that may be present in your drinking water. If you’re going to do some painting in your home, opt for zero-VOC paints to prevent environmental toxins from polluting your indoor air. Staying on top of general cleaning and dusting will also do a lot to keep your household healthy. BestLife recommends dusting hard-to-reach areas of your home like ceilings and fan blades every three to six months.
While tackling your DIY home projects, make sure you’re equipped with the right tools to stay safe. For example, a lead paint detector kit is essential for any projects involving painted surfaces in older homes. When you need to get up high to paint or dust, choose the safest ladder you can find. Telescoping ladders are practical and easy to transport because they can fold down to a manageable size and can be adjusted to different heights. Protective gear like work gloves, goggles, and high-quality respirators are also essential for home remodeling projects.
Upgrade Your Flooring
If you have allergies, carpet is about the worst thing you can have in your house. Carpet fibers trap allergens, including dust, dust mites, and pet dander. No matter how wonderful your vacuum may be, it’s impossible to eliminate the number of particles hiding in your floor. These particles that are on your floor can get kicked up with every step.
Consider ripping out your old carpet and adding new flooring. Engineered hardwood flooring is a durable and stylish alternative with easy maintenance. Engineered hardwood floors can work with all styles of decorating, from traditional to modern. This flooring can last many years if it has been cared for properly. Not only does it offer health benefits when changing your floors, but it also raises the overall value of the home when sold. ADM Flooring® offers an extensive selection to match any style. If you’re handy, you can cut and install your floors yourself over a long weekend.
Install an HVAC System
Did you know that indoor air quality is often two to five times worse than outside? If you don’t have an HVAC system in your home, now might be a great time to have one installed. A home HVAC system enhances indoor air quality by improving ventilation, removing airborne pollutants, and controlling moisture to prevent mold and mildew growth.
According to PickHvac, you can expect to pay about $6,100 to $8,500 to install a complete HVAC system in your home. Since the quality of the installation is key to your system’s longevity, look for a reliable HVAC contractor by getting referrals from people you know. Research the best heating and cooling companies, and interview your top picks.
Embrace Low-Maintenance Landscaping
Certain landscaping upgrades can also benefit your health. Lawn chemicals like pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers can make their way indoors and pollute your home environment. Consider hiring a landscaper to design a low-maintenance yard that will not require the use of chemicals to keep weeds and pests at bay. Low-maintenance landscaping employs native plants, paths, and mulch to eliminate large sections of lawn and reduce the need for watering and weeding. Surrounding your home with thriving plants is also a great way to boost your mental health!
The cost to hire a landscaper will depend on the size of your property and the specific elements you want to include. Some landscaping companies charge by the hour while others charge by square footage. It’s a good idea to talk to different landscapers and get estimates so you can find a solution that fits your budget.
By making these home upgrades, you are investing in the health of your family. Remember, many of these remodeling projects will improve the value of your home and cut down on your household energy usage as well. What could be better than living in a safe, low-maintenance, and energy-efficient home? Start making plans for a healthier home today!
