Protect Adjacent Areas
Construction dust is insidious. Without proper barriers, drywall dust, sawdust, and demolition debris will infiltrate every room in your home. Spending a few hours on protection before demo day saves days of cleaning and prevents damage to floors, furniture, and HVAC systems.
Time Required
3-5 hours
Cost
$200-$600 in materials
Difficulty
Easy to moderate
Protection Layers
Seal doorways with dust barriers
Hang 6-mil plastic sheeting over every doorway connecting to the construction zone. Use adhesive zippers ($10-$15 each) for access points so workers can pass through without lifting the plastic. Tape all edges with painter's tape for a tight seal. The best contractors use ZipWall poles for floor-to-ceiling tension barriers.
Cover HVAC vents
Place magnetic vent covers over all supply and return vents in and near the construction zone. This prevents dust from entering the ductwork and spreading throughout the entire house. Change your HVAC filter weekly during construction regardless.
Protect floors along pathways
Lay ram board or heavy-duty floor protection paper on all pathways between the construction zone and the contractor entrance. Hardwood floors are especially vulnerable to scratches from tools and debris. Secure edges with painter's tape, not duct tape, which leaves residue.
Remove fragile items from adjacent rooms
Take down artwork, decorative objects, and anything fragile in rooms that share walls with the construction zone. Vibrations from demolition and power tools can knock items off shelves and walls. Move electronics that are sensitive to dust.
Supplies Checklist
- 6-mil plastic sheeting: 2-3 rolls for doorways and openings. Heavy-duty construction grade, not painter's plastic.
- Adhesive zippers: One per doorway that needs regular access. Creates a seal that workers can open and close easily.
- Ram board or floor protection: Enough to cover all traffic paths from construction zone to exterior doors.
- Magnetic vent covers: One per HVAC vent in and around the construction area. Available at any hardware store.
- Painter's tape: Several rolls of blue painter's tape for securing plastic and floor protection without damaging surfaces.
- HEPA air purifier: At least one for the living area and one for bedrooms during the dustiest phases.
Pro Tips
- •Set up an exterior construction entrance: If possible, establish a path directly from outside to the work area. This keeps workers from tracking debris through your house and makes material deliveries cleaner.
- •Double up barriers for demolition: During the demo phase, hang two layers of plastic on doorways. The first layer catches the bulk of dust, and the second layer stays clean as a backup seal.
- •Plan for a deep clean afterward: Budget $300-$800 for a professional post-construction deep clean. Fine dust settles on every surface and inside cabinets, closets, and drawers throughout the house.