Award-winning designer Wendy Garfield, owner of La Strada–Meuble, Objet, Décor, is getting noticed. This talented and versatile designer’s work has been featured in many notable lifestyle publications, including: LI Newsday, The Boulevard (“La Strada creates unique spaces clients fall in love with”), House Magazine, Builder & Remodeler Magazine, and many more. In November 2010, La Strada won the Diamond LIBI award for Interior Design, placing the company among the country’s top building professionals. Fun facts: this multi-talented designer is also a professional opera singer and a proud Auntie by Relation to five nieces and nephews.
 
Construction Safety

With the rebuilding going on since the devastating natural disasters in the U.S. this past year, now is a good time to talk about safety during a renovation project if your nieces and nephews are nearby or, as in a few cases, live with you. If you are only renovating a single room, you can usually live in your home during construction. Rooms can be sectioned off with plastic so that the dust doesn’t get all over the place. But it is difficult to do this if more of your living space is being overhauled. Sometimes you can phase the project, so that you are only working on one room at a time. This will take more time, and it may cost you more in the long run. However, it is worth thinking about it if your family is not keen on the idea of relocating for months. Your nieces and nephews will feel more comfortable at home. Just be sure to keep these safety tips in mind…
 
Dust

Dust is inevitable. Even though the rooms under construction will be sealed off, the dust will still find its way in. Be prepared for this. You may find yourself cleaning the same areas again and again. However, a good contractor will know what to do to minimize the amount of dust getting into the rest of the house. Most of the disruption will occur during demolition. At this time, try to find somewhere else to stay for a few days – especially if you have young nieces and nephews with asthma or allergies. After that, get a portable air filter and keep it on high. Make sure to follow the instructions about cleaning and/or replacing the filter. Seal all doorways on both sides, and designate one doorway for workers to enter and exit the home. Carpenters should cut outside whenever possible.
 
Equipment

Workers eager to get home at the end of the day sometimes forget to safeguard the equipment. You need to be prudent. Make sure the workers check every day that all safety locks are in place, batteries are disconnected, and equipment is unplugged. Your little nieces and nephews are curious, so be sure to remind them not to go near the cool looking but dangerous machines. Get them their own toy tools – they will be proud to take part in the renovation!
 
Paint

No need to worry about paints anymore, as today there are eco-friendly products that have something called “low VOCs.” VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds are considered harmful environmental chemicals. Although the low-VOC products are more expensive, they are well worth the price.

I love using the Benjamin Moore Aura paints. The color is so rich and beautiful and because they include a primer, you will save on labor costs by only having to use two coats of paint instead of three. Bring nieces and nephews with you to your local hardware store to help pick out the colors. All Benjamin Moore colors are available in Aura and the Affinity colors are only available in Aura…and in case you were wondering about the Affinity colors, they are not available in the standard Benjamin Moore product. Do not believe anyone who tells you otherwise. The color will come out different!
 
Renovations are always an inconvenient disruption, but when all is done, you will be so happy in your beautiful new space… I promise!

Photo: supakitmod
Published: June 19, 2013