Remodeling for Allergies & Asthma
"Building and remodeling can be done safely if you know about the hazards and how to avoid them. If possible, plan the work step by step ahead of time with an experienced contractor who is knowledgeable about construction and its potential health problems. And when you're done, take the time to celebrate and enjoy the results, knowing that you and your family's health has been safeguarded."
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
I keep up with the latest materials and building techniques. I will help you consider your options to select the best building materials and construction techniques for your personal situation.
If I know you have a problem, I work hard to have less debris both in tearing out and installing. Many safer, alternative construction materials are available that avoid potential dangers or irritants. As much as possible I will do any sanding and sawing outside your house, in an area that will not move dust and fumes into your home. Where it is neccesary to work in your home, I will open a window and use a fan to pull dust and fumes out of the house, so that they will not enter your home.
I will remove or cover your personal items from the work area. I will hang plastic sheeting over doorways. If at all possible, no debris will be carried through your house. I will make a protected chute out of a window through which to push out any debris. That way even fine particles will not find their way out of the work area.
If you find it neccesary to use a product that does have fumes, by leaving a fan pulling air from the new construction area out through a window after construction, any problems can be minimized.
If you have problems with allergies or asthma, get rid of your carpet. You already know carpet is full of dust mites and other allergens. Bare floors are easier to keep clean. I can help you remove your carpeting and replace it with wood, vinyl, linoleum, tile or sealed stone.
Hardwood floors are ideal. We can install Pre-finished flooring, so there is no dust from sanding and no fumes from finishing products.
"Hardwood floors are an ideal type of floor for persons with allergies and asthma."
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
Green products are often safer to work with and safer to live with. Green construction can improve indoor air quality. Most conventional building materials, cleaning and maintenance products emit gases, microbial contaminants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including formaldehyde long after construction is complete. I can help you choose construction materials and interior finish products with zero or low VOC emissions.
Insulating and sealing your home will reduce moisture problems and control water intrusion, moisture and dampness that leads mold, bacteria and viruses, dust mites and other issues.
I use more energy efficient and environmentally friendly construction practices.
A Green home or office:
Is safer and healthier.
Improved indoor air quality:
Insulating and sealing your home will reduce moisture problems.
Control water intrusion, moisture and dampness that leads mold, bacteria and viruses, dust mites and other issues.
Adequate ventilation is necessary to eliminate moisture from cooking, bathing, cleaning, and just breathing. Adequate ventilation of cleaner air from outdoors or recirculated filtered inside air.
Natural wood floors and other smooth surfaces improve air quality, reduce dust and other particulates and trapping fewer allergens, bacteria, and dust mites.
More fresh air and natural light
Good ventilation to release hot air, moisture, and odors while admitting natural light.
Green building products are safer.
Choose construction materials and interior finish products with zero or low VOC emissions. Most conventional building materials, cleaning and maintenance products emit gases, microbial contaminants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including formaldehyde.