Preparing for a Renovation

The work area should not be accessible to occupants while the work occurs. The rooms or areas where work is being done may need to be blocked off or sealed with plastic sheeting to contain any dust that is generated. Therefore, the contained area may not be available to you until the work in that room or area is complete, cleaned thoroughly, and the containment has been removed. Because you may not have access to some areas during the renovation, you should plan accordingly.

You may need:

• Alternative bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen arrangements if work is occurring in those areas of your property
• A safe place for pets because they too can be poisoned by lead and can track lead dust into other areas of the home
• A separate pathway for the contractor from the work area to the outside in order to bring materials in and out of the home. Ideally, it should not be through the same entrance that your family or tenants use.
• A place to store furniture. All furniture and belongings may have to be moved from the work area while the work is being done. Items that can't be moved, such as cabinets, should be wrapped in plastic.
• To turn off forced-air heating and air conditioning systems while the work is being done. This prevents dust from spreading through vents from the work area to the rest of your home. Consider how this may affect your living arrangements.

You may want to move you and your family out or move your tenants out of your property temporarily while all or part of the work is being done.