Whether you’re buying a house or looking to do some home remodeling in San Francisco, it’s a good idea to talk to your contractor about the process before getting started. You should be specifically concerned with the types of construction materials that your contractor uses, as they can impact your home in a variety of different ways. Construction materials can affect your indoor air quality as well as the overall safety of your home, and they can even influence your home’s susceptibility to mold growth. Here are some questions to ask your contractor about construction materials .

How will they affect indoor air quality?

The materials that comprise your home will have an effect on the indoor air quality within your residence, so you’ll want to talk to your contractor and make sure he or she has safe materials in mind. Asbestos and lead are both harmful substances that were once popular go-to options for all kinds of construction projects. Both of these materials can take away from your indoor air quality, which can make life difficult for people who have problems with their respiratory systems. Find out what types of construction materials your contractor plans on using in advance so you can be sure they don’t contain any hazardous components.

Will my house be safe?

Construction materials that contain lead or asbestos are problematic because they can cause health complications through exposure. Too much exposure to asbestos can lead to asbestosis, which is a health problem that affects your respiratory system. Lead paint is also harmful when ingested, especially when it comes to particularly young or old people. This can cause learning disabilities and brain damage, so be sure to talk to your contractor before a home renovation product that might disturb existing asbestos or lead.

Am I at risk for mold?

Mold thrives in dark, damp places, and it can be bad for your indoor air quality as well as the health of your family. You’ll want to minimize your risk for mold growth during house remodeling so that you can maintain your indoor air quality as well as your health and comfort.

If you are embarking on a home renovation project in San Francisco this summer, you may want to consider hiring a renovation contractor. With the help of your renovation contractor , you can update your living spaces so that they are perfect for your needs. In order to perform a healthier home renovation, it is a good idea to talk to your renovation contractor about whether you should schedule an air quality test before you embark on your remodeling procedure. Here is a closer look at how construction materials can affect your indoor air quality.

VOCs

The term VOCs stands for Volatile Organic Compounds. When you are performing a renovation project in your home, VOCs can be released into your indoor air. VOCs are dangerous because they can aggravate asthma, allergies, and other respiratory issues. When a person who has asthma inhales VOCs, his or her symptoms may be flared up intensely. To ensure that your loved ones are safe during a renovation project, it is important to make sure that any VOCs are removed from your indoor air.

Asbestos

Asbestos is another serious concern when you are planning a home renovation project. If your home was built in the 1970s or before, there is a chance that your home’s building materials may contain asbestos. Exposure to asbestos has been linked to a number of very serious health concerns, including lung cancer and asbestosis. In order to protect your family from the dangers of asbestos, you may want to consider scheduling an asbestos inspection for your home.

Lead Paint

Lead paint is another construction material that can greatly affect the indoor air quality of your home. Lead poisoning is a serious health condition that is especially dangerous for children. During a home renovation project, your contractor could unearth lead paint in your home. For this reason, you should make sure to schedule an indoor air quality test before you get started on your renovation project.