While recent studies have shown that mold might not cause more serious

ailments previously attributed to the fungus, such as memory loss and

seizures, the National Academies of Science does support the claim that

asthmatics may suffer more, and that healthy people may experience upper

respiratory symptoms, from mold. Remember that knowledge is the best

preventative measure.

Here are some safety tips to follow during a remodel:

- Try to stay out of the work area. This is important for safety

and for maintaining work schedules. Keep pets, toys, and children

out of the contractor's way.

- Block doors where remodeling is occurring, especially if small

children are present. If you're adding a deck attached to the second

story of a house, or over a walk-out basement, remember to keep access

doorways blocked. "It is easy to forget that the old deck has been

torn down and there is nothing but empty space outside of the patio door," said

Scott Balentine, CR, owner of Lifestyles Custom Homes & Remodeling

in Overland Park, Kansas, and Kansas City NARI member. "Even doors

on lower levels should be blocked to prevent being struck by falling

items as someone exits the house."

- Always communicate with your professional remodeler. Discuss

where tools and materials will be stored, who will be responsible

for cleaning the area, and what sections of wall or floor can be covered

at the end of the day.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice's National Crime Victimization

Survey, more than two million homes are burglarized annually. Safety

is exceedingly important. As a preventative measure, thinking like

a criminal may not be such a bad idea when planning your remodeling project.

Don't make it easy for a burglar to attack your home, and consider

these elements of renovation:

Landscaping

Everyone wants an attractive home exterior, but safety should never

be compromised for beauty. The way plants, shrubs and trees are arranged

around your home may be the reason why a burglar chooses it. The fewer

places there are to hide, the less chance of crime.

Less shrubbery also greatly decreases the risk of fire. According to

the U.S. Fire Administration, creating a "defensible space" by

lessening the amount of trees and shrubbery within 30ft. of your home

greatly decreases fire risk. Fire-safe areas may be created during

a remodel by considering stone as an option for walls, patios, swimming

pools, decks and roadways.

Consider what windows and rooms overlook the different parts of your

lawn and landscape for better views from inside, which will allow you

to be aware of suspicious behavior.

If you're building a deck, it's important to follow code requirements

that dictate proper space between handrails, proper railing configurations,

etc. "Be sure to use only a licensed contractor for any deck and

porch construction project," Balentine said. "Licensed contractors

carry the proper insurance and will put the proper permits required

with

local and national building codes."

Lighting

Exterior lights with timers and sensors will increase the safety factor

of your landscape design. Consider a few types of outdoor lighting that

will enhance the security of your homestead: screw-in photoelectric sensors

which turn lights on at dusk and off at dawn automatically, motion-sensor

floodlights activated when something comes within range of the sensor,

wall-switch timers allow you to time when the lights are on, and grounded

timers for exterior lighting mounted outdoors on the side of your house.

Locks

Ensure that all exterior doors will be equipped with deadbolts in addition

to standard locksets. Don't settle for the cheapest lock, go with a hardened-steel

bolt that extends at least an inch into the doorjamb. For even greater

safety consider a vertical deadbolt, which prevents an intruder from

opening the door by forcing a pry bar between the door and the frame.

When replacing doors, talk to your remodeling professional about lock

options.

The remodeling market, a $214 billion industry in the U.S. in 2003,

is projected to grow to $224 billion or more in 2004. It is estimated

that more than a million homes per year undergo major renovation or remodeling.

NARI is a professional association whose members voluntarily subscribe

to a strict code of ethics.�Consumers may wish to search www.RemodelToday.com

to find a qualified professional who is a member of NARI.

Consumers can also call the NARI National hotline at 800-611-NARI and

request a free copy of NARI's brochure, "How to Select a Remodeling

Professional," or visit www.RemodelToday.com and click on the homeowner's

guide for more information.

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