Home renovations can be thrilling because they allow for updates to make rooms new, add value and improve the overall functionality of the place. Yet, any renovation brings with it a situation where your breakable items may get damaged in various ways. Dust, noise, vibration, machinery, falling objects, and constant activity within the house pose real threats to your delicate possessions, especially during a kitchen renovation, bathroom renovation or complete house renovation.
It is said by home improvement specialists, restorers and movers that a little planning prior to starting the work can help avoid expensive fixing and loss of precious items. Here are the most effective tips to protect your breakables during a home renovation.
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Create a Detailed Inventory Before Work Begins
It has been suggested that one should start any renovation project by making an inventory list of all such items that might get damaged. Take a look around each room to see what items can be harmed while renovating, such as works of art, antiques, a porcelain collection, mirrors, crystals, electronic appliances, glass decorations, family heirlooms, and musical instruments. Take a photograph of each piece of furniture or other items along with information regarding their current condition. The list will help you with organization and with any future insurance claim. Moreover, it will help you keep track of the items that need to be returned after renovation is completed.
Read more: Shipping Fragile Items Canada
Remove Fragile Belongings from Construction Areas
One of the most basic pieces of advice that renovation specialists give is quite easy: always try to move your valuables out of reach.
Despite the protection you think the item has while being kept on the shelf close by, there may be some demolition tremors, accidental collisions, dust, and dropped objects that can hurt them. Moving all the valuable things to another room will reduce the chances of getting damaged. When it comes to long-term renovation of a few weeks in duration, many specialists advise renting a climate-controlled storage room. Constant temperature and humidity are very important for wooden furniture, pictures, photos, and antiques.
Invest in Proper Packing Materials
Matteo Valles of Vol Case said, acking supplies are highly recommended as professional movers always stress on this fact. For particularly fragile, valuable, or difficult-to-replace items, professionally designed protective packaging can provide additional cushioning during storage and transportation. Use acid-free packing paper and then cover your breakables with bubble wrap or foam sheets instead of wrapping them in newspapers as it could leave some marks on them. Pack your plates vertically instead of placing them horizontally as vertical positioning reduces the chances of their breakage. Select proper moving boxes according to the size of different objects and fill empty spaces with packing peanuts, foam inserts, and crumpled papers. All boxes having breakables must be labeled “Fragile” along with arrows showing the right side of positioning.
Control Dust Before It Spreads
Though overlooked, construction dust has the potential to cause permanent damage to electronic devices, furniture coverings, books, art pieces, and any other aesthetic surface. Professional advice calls for heavy duty plastic barriers to separate construction areas from the living space. The doors should be closed and the ventilation system vents in the construction area should be closed. Any furniture that cannot be removed should be covered using a breathable covering and not plastic. This way, the furniture will remain free from dust but without the risk of moisture causing any damage to wooden or upholstered furniture.
Give Special Protection to Artwork and Mirrors
Paintings, framed photographs, mirrors, and decorative wall pieces require additional care because they are vulnerable to both impacts and vibrations.
Experts advise removing wall décor before demolition begins, even if work is taking place in another part of the room. Vibrations from power tools may loosen hanging hardware over time.
Wrap artwork first in acid-free paper, followed by bubble wrap. Mirror corners should receive reinforced corner protectors before being placed inside specialty mirror boxes or padded crates. Large mirrors should always be stored upright rather than laid flat, reducing pressure that could cause cracking.
Protect Furniture from Scratches and Impacts
Furniture tends to stay within the house during construction, hence susceptible to scratches, dents, paint stains, and bumps. Mark Hanson of SunTino Solar Lights said, lighting fixtures and other electrical installations should also be protected from construction dust, paint splashes, and accidental impacts, particularly when renovation work involves ceilings, walls, or electrical systems. It is advisable to take all the furniture away from the renovation area if possible. Heavy furniture which can’t be moved needs to be placed together in the middle of the room and then covered using furniture blankets or moving quilts. Do not cover wooden furniture directly with plastic sheets for prolonged periods, especially if the surroundings are moist.
Store Important Documents Securely
Renovation can bring about unforeseen circumstances that make it necessary to safeguard documentation just as much as one does possessions. Keep your passport, birth certificate, insurance documentations, legal papers, finances, and family photos in a water-proof and fire-proof case. A number of professionals also advise that essential documents be scanned and stored as encrypted digital copies in the cloud.
Communicate Expectations with Contractors
A competent contractor will always value homeowners who have pointed out their delicate items prior to starting the project. Go over the project and talk about what needs additional precautions. Tell the workers that you have some delicate pieces like antiques, flooring, paintings, and heirlooms, which may need special care.
Such communication will help the contractor take care of equipment transportation and eliminate any risks. Many professional renovation companies usually provide floor covers, dust barriers, and other precautions, but it is better to talk about that ahead of time.
Review Insurance Before Renovations Begin
Specialists in insurance advise you to check your homeowner’s insurance plan before starting construction to learn about the kinds of accidental damage that would be covered. It is recommended to request your contractor to give a confirmation of his liability insurance, as well as to find out if the subcontractors have the right insurance.
In case of significant renovation works, you may consider additional insurance, which could be useful for your property and your belongings. Knowing about your insurance coverages beforehand will help you avoid any unexpected expenses.
Wait Before Returning Delicate Items
After the work is done, do not hurry to unpack. The dust created during the renovation work settles down much later than you think. It is recommended to let the space be properly cleaned up before putting back fragile items.
While unpacking, make sure to examine all your things for possible damage. Take off the packing materials carefully; use them in case you move or renovate again. Just spending some more time on this step of the process will help you keep your precious belongings intact.
Conclusion
Not only are the aesthetic value of the renovations an indication of success, but also how well you have managed to protect your possessions throughout the entire remodeling project. Planning, packing, controlling dust levels, storing furniture safely, and communicating with the contractors become crucial at this point in time. With the help of expert advice, homeowners will be able to minimize the risks and enjoy the process of making changes in their property. The efforts that will be put into protecting your items now will pay off with savings later on when you will see everything intact in the newly renovated house.
