How to Prepare for a Refurbishment Properly: A Complete Guide

1. Dust Control

Dust is one of the biggest challenges during a refurbishment. Taking proactive measures from the outset is essential to prevent it from spreading throughout the house:

  • Seal Unused Rooms: Use plastic sheeting or tarps to close off doors to rooms that won’t be used, effectively preventing dust from infiltrating those areas.
  • Install Extractors in Windows: Installing extractors in windows will help direct dust outside, keeping it from accumulating indoors.
  • Dust Management During Demolition: Spraying water in demolition areas and using specialized equipment, such as HEPA-filter vacuums, significantly reduces airborne dust.

2. Protection of Furniture, Floors, and Walls

Before commencing work, it’s vital to protect the elements of the home that won’t be removed:

  • Furniture Protection: Use plastic tarps or heavy blankets to cover furniture that cannot be moved.
  • Protection for Doors and Countertops: Cover doors with thick cardboard or protective foam, and ensure countertops are well-covered with plastic to prevent damage.
  • Floors and Walls: Install protective sheets on the floors and consider using polyethylene sheets on the walls to avoid paint splatters and other damage.

3. Maintain Order at All Times

Keeping things orderly is key to ensuring the refurbishment is both efficient and safe. Some effective strategies include:

  • Continuous Cleaning: Regularly sweep and vacuum the workspace to keep it clean.
  • Material Sorting: Properly store tools and materials to avoid accidents and losses.

4. Planning and Blueprints

A well-structured plan is essential before starting any work:

  • Design Detailed Blueprints: Having a clear vision of what you want to achieve and how the spaces will be organized will prevent last-minute changes and issues during the refurbishment. Remember the adage, «Measure twice, cut once.» This highlights the importance of meticulous planning before taking action, ensuring that all cuts are made in one go. It’s typical for clients to request last-minute changes, like adding an outlet or modifying a layout. Providing correct guidance and visualizations in both 2D and 3D is crucial.
  • Coordinate with the Team: Ensure that all workers are familiar with the plan and safety measures. Everyone should know where materials and tools are located and when they will be needed, which minimizes mess and improves efficiency.

5. Avoid Disturbing Neighbors

Refurbishment work can cause significant disturbances, especially in shared buildings. To minimize disruptions:

  • Protect Common Areas: Cover common areas, such as hallways and elevators, to prevent them from getting dirty or damaged.
  • Work Schedule: Respect your neighbors’ rest hours and, if possible, inform the community about the dates and duration of the work.

6. Have a Budget for Dust Control

While it may seem obvious, many people often forget to include dust containment in their refurbishment budget, which is one of the biggest mistakes DIYers make. We’re not talking about a significant amount of money; simply setting aside a few euros (depending on the size of your project) upfront can go a long way in preventing dust.

Even if it incurs an additional cost, maintaining a clean environment during your remodeling is essential! You’ll be glad you did, because if you don’t budget for it ahead of time, you may find yourself spending more money trying to keep dust out of your home after the refurbishment is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dust in Refurbishment

  • How to avoid dust during construction? Use dust extractors in windows, seal unused rooms, and cover doors and floors with special plastics to prevent dispersion.
  • How to deal with dust during a refurbishment? Keep the work area well-ventilated and use tools equipped with HEPA vacuums. Daily cleaning is key to preventing dust accumulation.
  • How to keep a construction site clean? Conduct frequent clean-ups, cover furniture and surfaces, and ensure that common areas are adequately protected.

 

Where to Buy Necessary Materials on the Costa del Sol to Avoid Dust in My Clean Refurbishment?

On the Costa del Sol, there are various suppliers offering the materials needed to protect your home during the refurbishment. You can find thin plastic protectors, door sealers, water sprayers, cardboard, and vacuums at stores like Leroy Merlin, Bricomart, and Almacenes España, among others.

However, specialized labor is essential to ensure that appropriate dust control measures are effectively implemented. At Simple Decon, we provide a comprehensive service to prepare your home, minimizing dust generation both inside your home and in the neighborhood.