Room additions also known as conversions, can be a great way to expand your home and create more space for yourself and your family. The process of making one, however, is not as simple as it may seem. You need to know what things you should consider before starting such a project because safety hazards can arise at any stage of this work. To make the matter clearer, here is a review of different mistakes that commonly appear during conversions and their possible consequences:
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Electrical systems
For starters, you must know that electrical systems require special care during the whole process. They need to be considered from two points of view – yours and the company’s working on the job. Before beginning any work, remove the old electrical elements (switches, light fixtures, etc.) and ensure that their replacements are up to the latest standards. Moreover, it is wise to consult a professional for this task since all kinds of work with electricity should be done by experts only.
Load balancing
Keep an eye on load balancing when making changes to your house’s wiring. Try not to overload circuits because it could lead to fires or electrocution. Also, installGround Fault Circuit Interrupters in bathrooms and kitchens where water can contact electric current. Such devices cut off the power supply in case of overloads or short-circuiting.
Heating systems and insulation
The next important thing you should take into account is heating systems. If you plan to expand the living room space, adding a fireplace might be the best option. If you don’t have experience in their installation, get help from professionals or refrain from making such changes. In addition to that, check the insulation of your house by going through walls and ceilings if necessary. Insulating homes can save lots of money on utilities since they make air circulation more efficient and keep some rooms warmer while others are colder.
Ventilation
One more thing is ventilation. You should always ensure that there’s a good source of fresh air at home during any work being done, except for minor maintenance tasks. Also, pay attention to carbon monoxide levelsthat can become harmful at elevated levels, especially in buildings with old heating systems without gas combustion. For this reason, never construct a room addition that’s connected to the rest of your house without making sure that there’s a proper ventilation system in place. In cases when ventilation is impossible because you want to make an addition attached to an already built structure, make sure you install carbon monoxide detectors.
Flammable liquids
Remember not to put flammable liquids near heat sources or working areas because creating sparks can lead to fires during various tasks. Also, wear protective equipmentsuch as glasses and gloves for all kinds of work being done. This will help avoid injuries and other problems related to doing construction work without having the proper protective gear on hand.
Before beginning any significant changes at home, keep these safety precautions in mind – conversions are no exception. To get the job done perfectly for the first time, hire an experienced company that knows precisely what they’re doing.
Also, keep in mind that it’s essential to estimate how much money you’ll need before starting any project like this. Use different online calculators for this purpose, because it will make the whole process easier. Contact several professionals and ask for their quotes once you determine how much cash is needed to realize your vision of expanded living space at home. Make sure they include everything from construction materials to professional craft to no unpleasant surprises along the road.