Planning
Renovation, redecorating, and remodelling activities can create indoor air problems by pro- ducing dust, odours, airborne bacteria, mould spores and chemical emissions. It is difficult to prevent IAQ problems if some building areas are undergoing renovation while adjoining areas continue normal operations. Advance planning, area isolation plans, worker access and other details must be identified and resolved before starting work.
Materials used for repair and renovation should follow the same selection principles as materials selected for new construction. However, with repairs and renovations, emissions from materials and processes occur in enclosed spaces, usually managed by an operating HVAC system, and regular building occupants may be present in areas adjoining renovations
Renovation is an opportunity to assess the previous selection of products in relation to IAQ and make choices that improve the work environment. As for new construction, materials exposed in a building interior should have surfaces that can be easily cleaned. Ensuring that these surfaces are also durable will reduce maintenance requirements as well as the IAQ impacts associated with replacement or refinishing. Particular attention should be paid to appropriate selection of flooring materials and surfaces used in restrooms.
Space Reorganization
Modern ventilation systems are custom-designed to suit space layout and occupancy. Layout changes may require changes to the HVAC system. For example, if two office spaces designed for 2 or 3 people are converted to a meeting room with a capacity for 10 or so people, the HVAC will need to be modified accordingly.
Please find more information on repairs and renovations, relating to IAQ in Module 3: Custodial Activities, Maintenance, Repair and Renovation for Indoor Air Quality