Practicing Building Safety
Families who are interested in remodeling their homes should follow local zoning rules that emphasize safety. Structures have to be built to withstand certain natural disasters and to minimize the recovery efforts from severe weather-related events. Before selecting contractors for a renovation, homeowners should consider several important factors. First of all, a construction company should be transparent when it comes to releasing information about previous projects. Homeowners should have an easy time identifying companies that have been responsible for building structures that have collapsed or suffered major damage due to poor construction. It is equally important to verify a contractor’s licensing and registration with the appropriate state agencies and other organizations. Furthermore, homeowners should make sure that their contractors carry insurance and extended warranty for all remodeling projects.
Fire safety is a major issue during construction phases of residential buildings. Nonflammable materials should be used to build some of the walls in homes. For example, concrete slabs may be inserted in some of the interior walls that are engineered to contain fires to certain parts of a house. Furthermore, gypsum panels can be installed to cover up insulation that is flammable such as fiberglass or foam. Fire evacuation plans are also crucial in the safe design of residential and commercial structures. Windows should be large enough for people to easily squeeze through and escape. In commercial properties, stairways and exterior ladders must be integrated as alternative methods of exits to elevators.
Homes that are located in flood-prone areas should have designs that can divert the flow of water in some ways. For example, ditches can be dug around a foundation or basement that would otherwise get flooded. Waterfront homes should have smart construction designs that include elevated platforms for structures such as decks, patios, porches and stairways leading to the entrances.
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