How To Handle Dust During A Remodel

Most of us know that during a remodel, many things can go wrong, but there’s one thing you can count on: a lot of dust. From tearing down walls to ripping out floors, your construction efforts are sure to create a whirlwind of debris. Are you forced to deal with a stuffy nose and sneezing during your renovations, or is there a way to manage the endless torrent of dust? Since you’ve found this post, you’re in luck. Here’s how you can handle dust and debris during your home remodel:

Change Your HVAC Filters

Many furnaces and air conditioners come with filters. These have a dual purpose: they protect dust from damaging the system and they filter pollutants from indoor air. When they are changed or cleaned regularly, they can limit the amount of dust that circulates in your home. On average, they last about three months, but this lifespan may be shortened by excessive dirt. If you notice that your home is especially dusty, it may be time for a filter replacement.

Work Outside When Possible

Certain tasks generate more dust than others, like cutting wood. If the weather permits, and you have the space for it, use a saw outside rather than within your home. You’ll need to tidy up the yard after, but it’s better than letting that dust spread throughout the air in your house.

Clean The Air Ducts

The hot and cold air that blows throughout our homes is circulated by air ducts. As you can imagine, dust that gets in these ducts travels along with that heated or cooled air. Debris from renovations can make its way into ducts and then hitch a ride, spreading around your home. One of the benefits of regular duct cleaning is that it improves indoor air quality. You can contact your local HVAC technician to schedule a duct cleaning during and/or after your remodeling. 

Protect Your Belongings

In many areas of our home, we display items with great sentimental value. Other belongings, like our electronics, can also be damaged by dust. These possessions need extra care if you want to preserve them. You can relocate them to a storage unit or place them in sealed containers. For a quick fix, consider covering them with a drop cloth or heavy plastic.

Open The Windows

A nice breeze will help break up the dusty air. Whenever possible, open the windows as you work. Proper ventilation is a key part of reducing dust during a remodel. The smell of fresh air is a nice bonus! For extra air purity, place a fan near the window to blow the dust outdoors.

Prep Before Painting

Most remodels have one final step: painting. Nothing looks as fresh as walls with a new coat of paint. But remember that it’s important to prep before painting. As we mentioned, remodels kick up quite a bit of dust, which will interfere with the paint’s adhesion to the walls. Before you apply that carefully selected color to your brand new walls, be sure to wipe them thoroughly with a hot, damp washcloth to remove any dust. 

Isolate the Remodel Area

Unless you’re renovating your entire home, it’s worthwhile to section off the specific place that you’re working on. For example, let’s say that you are renovating your kitchen. To prevent dust from spreading to the living room or bedrooms, seal the kitchen using a dust barrier tarp. This product attaches to doorways to completely enclose a room and keep debris from traveling outside of it. It will help contain construction waste to one room, reducing the extent of your cleaning job.

Tidy Up Often

It might seem pointless to clean today when your remodel site will be a disaster zone tomorrow. But taking a little time each day to tidy your home can prevent one massive clean up at the end. Sure, you’ll still have your work cut out for you once everything’s said and done, but your diligent cleaning efforts will make the final task a little easier. A quick sweep, dust, or vacuum job will do the trick.

No one ever said that remodeling would be easy—add “managing dust” to your long list of things to do.But with the right plumbers and contractors on your side, this process doesn’t have to be a disaster. Professionals like the crew at Kevin Szabo Jr. Plumbing can transform your kitchen or bathroom into your dream vision.

Guest Contributor: Christie Simon