When you start to build your dream home or renovate your current property, your mind will be filled with all sorts of things to do. However, it’s essential to always remember the importance of ensuring your home is as healthy as possible with no risk of making you or your family ill.

The type of property you’re working with will obviously greatly influence how you can best achieve a safe and healthy home.

Generally, new build homes are ‘well sealed’ which means it’s far easier to control the temperature and surroundings inside, yet the dangers can be if airborne irritants are trapped. Equally, older homes allow air to leak in and out but are far harder to control and make comfortable.

So, how can you make your home as healthy as possible?

1. Check Out Construction

Always go with a recommended building contractor to carry out any work that you need doing. Don’t be fooled into cutting corners or hiring a construction company who offer suspiciously cheap prices and quick results. Ask as many questions as you feel necessary (about methods, materials or long term durability) and always ensure that construction delivers the Star rating.

2. Let In Natural Light

Don’t overlook the importance of natural light. It has been scientifically proven to increase levels of productivity and well being in the home. A room flooded with natural light will inevitably make you feel more healthy and happy than a dark space with no daylight coming in.

Equally, natural light will assist to naturally heat and light your home, meaning that you could see a reduction in your energy bills – less heating and less need for electric lights to be turned on during the day time.

3. Control Your Acoustics

You really can control the noise that enters, and leaves your home. If you’ve been struggling with noisy streets outside or neighbours next door disrupting your sleep, there are solutions. Invest in one of the many options now available for acoustic performance glass and you could see huge differences in the sound transmission in your home.

4. Improve Air Tightness

Although it’s important to have a well ventilated home and there are additional dangers to keeping homes that are too ‘well sealed’, air tightness can be important. By minimizing leaks of heat to the outside, you’ll find your home more comfortable and warm in the winter. Similarly, in Summer you’ll want any cool air produced in your home to stay inside and keep everyone at the right temperature.

5. Avoid Damp, Mildew and Mould

When damp appears, many people choose to ignore it rather than addressing it for fear of expensive repairs which may open up a can of worms. However damp can quickly develop into a serious issue and a build up of mildew and mould in or on your walls can cause respiratory issues especially in young children or the elderly.

6. Weatherize Your Home

Although Australia is blessed with sunny days and a desirable climate, you can’t underestimate the effects of the weather on your home. You should always consider the location of your home and what type of extreme weather conditions you may experience – putting any measures in place that you need to.

Simple maintenance such as keeping gutters and drain pipes clear of leaves, or taking down awnings in windy weather can help to prevent problems occurring in the first place.