It’s essential to have appropriate workwear when renovating a house or commercial outlet. Comfortable, practical, and safe clothing options are ideal. With some experience, you can designate a specific section in your wardrobe for renovation workwear, making it readily available. Not only workwear, but sometimes PPE or Personal Protective Equipment is integral for the tasks you are undertaking. Disposable items like overalls and shoes can effectively shield you and your environment from dust and debris.
Thinking of the Correct Attire
Avoid clothing that emphasizes your figure but restricts movement, especially during bending, kneeling, and stretching. You will find that these movements are regular features of your time renovating your home. Leggings are often a good choice for women because they are tight-fitting, elastic, and allow for a full range of motion.
Considering other trousers, choose durable, puncture-resistant material, specifically some designed for construction work with many pockets for hanging and holding small items. Don’t use jeans as these are tight and restrictive. Sitting on the floor with your legs tucked beneath you can cause the backs of your knees to dig painfully into your legs. Sturdy work trousers offer protection against dirt, potential hazards and scrapes too.
Extra Considerations
Since cheaper clothes are often too thin, investing in well-fitting, high-quality workwear for long-term use can provide better value for money and durability. If working in a visible area, your undergarments could always potentially be exposed when in tricky positions! Additionally, layering clothes allows for easy adjustment as the temperature fluctuates. For example, sanding, being labour-intensive, requires minimal clothing, while painting, requiring less energy, might necessitate removing a layer or two where necessary.
A particularly important recommendation is to avoid low-rise trousers. Given that many renovation tasks involve sitting or bending, avoid low-rise trousers to prevent discomfort and unwanted exposure. It may seem obvious but avoid clothing with dangling accessories, as these can easily become entangled in your work area. A nightmarish vision is your clothes becoming caught up in an electrical tool you are using which would be a health and safety issue. To avoid such potential issues, roll up long sleeves or choose short sleeves. If you are doing detailed work don’t wear tops with hoods as these can rise up and fall across your face at an inopportune moment. Tactical pants are a clever option as these have many pockets to store small items such as wall plugs and screws. These can also act as places to keep cloths for cleaning and as a rubbish bin too.
While slip-on shoes are convenient for moving between rooms, they are less suitable when stability is crucial, such as when climbing ladders. Choosing your shoes based on the risk of falling objects and the level of stability required when moving around or up and down. Select clothing, shoes, and PPE that offer maximum protection throughout your renovation, meeting both health and safety standards, while also providing the practical ability to work effectively in different temperatures.