Over the past decade, home renovation programs have been a hit with audiences and completely revolutionized the refurbishment industry. And despite ambitious homeowners often taking every precaution to create a safe space, rafts of dangers may still lurk in plain sight.
From dodgy light fittings to faulty electrical wiring, here are compiled some of the most unexpected dangers to be on the lookout for.
Despite ambitious homeowners often taking every precaution to create a safe space, rafts of dangers may still lurk in plain sight
Though they’re a thoroughly modern transfixation, Halogen downlights are embedded in wool insulation which can reach up to 200C. If this becomes unprotected its insulation can start burning and ultimately cause a fire.
Similarly, cracked power points or switches can cause fatal electric shocks if their live copper parts are left exposed. And although television hits like The Block have changed the renovation game, do-it-yourself electric work can have potentially tragic consequences.
Some work is best left to professionals who have the proper knowledge and the right equipment such as a conduit bender hire.
In fact, fittings with a live conductor attached to the frame can even cause electric shock. Scarily, attics may also be a breeding ground for hazards with live cable problems commonly surfacing after remodeling projects.
Although television hits like The Block have changed the renovation game, do-it-yourself electric work can have potentially tragic consequences
Unexpectedly faulty smoke alarms remain a significant danger, with most fatal residential fires happening at night and primarily between 8 pm and 8 am
Splices, the connection between two wires, are twisted onto the electrical wires for making a secure connection and should be placed within a covered electric box. As per the national electrical codes, these splices should be placed inside a covered electric box made of plastic or metal.
If not placed in a covered box they could become overloaded or loose and eventually cause a fire. However, unexpectedly faulty smoke alarms remain a significant danger, with most fatal residential fires happening at night and primarily between 8 pm and 8 am.