New homes often meet the highest standards for safety, but that doesn’t mean they’re risk-free. Thankfully, there are many ways in which a new home can be made safer before people move in.
Construction sites are inherently unsafe places where accidents can happen at any moment. Multiple factors make these sites dangerous, from hazardous equipment to inexperienced workers. So even if your new home seems complete on the surface, there could be potential hazards lurking beneath it that you may not see immediately.
If you’re building a brand new house, here are some safety tips that will help keep you and your family safe from hidden dangers.
1. Walkthrough And Inspection
A walkthrough is the very first thing you should do before moving into a new home. You should check all rooms and areas thoroughly, including the roof, foundation, walls, windows, doors, heating and cooling system, plumbing, and electrical wiring.
During your walkthrough, make a list of any deficiencies that you notice. Ideally, have your builder accompany you during the walkthrough, so they can explain any flaws to you and suggest ways to fix them. Checking that they use additional tools like a crane lmi system to ensure safety, guarantees you get a new home without any hidden dangers. Most builders will be happy to have a third party examine their work before the final inspection, so don’t be afraid to ask to have your walkthrough done.
2. Proper Ventilation
New construction often comes with low-quality ventilation systems that don’t do enough to keep indoor air quality at a healthy level. Talk to your builder about potential solutions if you notice issues with your ventilation system. In most cases, your builder will be happy to upgrade your system at no additional cost. The two main ventilation components are fresh air in and stale air out of the home.
First, ensure you have a good ventilation system in your attic so that stale air can be pushed out of your home. Second, make sure that you have exhaust fans in your bathrooms and kitchen. These are necessary for removing warm and moist air from these rooms. When all is said and done, ensure you’re comfortable with indoor air quality in your home. If you notice that indoor air quality is low, you can try opening more windows or installing an air purifier to bring the quality back up to acceptable levels.
3. Double-Check Construction Codes
Home construction is governed and regulated by local construction codes. These codes are a set of standards that builders must follow whenever constructing a new home. If you’re building a new home, make sure it meets the requirements of your local construction codes. If unsure, you should talk to your builder about potential remedies. In most cases, builders are happy to correct deficiencies, as meeting construction codes is vital to their success.
4. Ensure Safe Water Supply
The water supply in your new home will likely be sound, but you should still keep an eye on it to ensure it remains clean and safe. If you notice that your water supply is dirty, cloudy, or otherwise impure, make sure to talk to your builder about potential remedies. Then, immediately speak to your water utility company to determine the best action if your water supply is unsafe.
5. Be Cautious Of Flooring Materials
Hardwood flooring is a beautiful choice for many new homeowners. However, you should ensure that the wood you choose is safe. When moving into a new home, even one you’ve built, it’s important to remember that some construction deficiencies can’t be seen until you’re inside. One of the first things you should do when moving into a new home is to walk around each room. If you notice a problem with the flooring, talk to your builder.
In most cases, builders will be happy to correct these issues at no extra cost. Don’t be tempted to speed up the process by missing these integral steps. You could be left with a house that isn’t safe.
Conclusion
When moving into your newly built house, remember that a few risks are involved. New homes often meet the highest standards for safety, but that doesn’t mean they are risk-free. There are many ways in which a new home can be made safer before people move in.
However, what you read here is just a tiny part of the bigger picture. To ensure your new home provides a safe and healthy environment for you and your family, there are several precautions you should take to protect yourself from risks associated with home construction.
