Fixtures That Can Be Removed
For some fixtures, protecting them can be as simple as removing them from the scene and placing them somewhere safe for the duration of your project. Small fixtures like light switches, light fixtures, and plumbing fixtures most easily lend themselves to removal, but larger items can be removed and protected, as well. Radiators, sinks, bathtubs , and even windows can be removed and safely stored out of harm's way.
When removing fixtures, labeling is absolutely mandatory. Draw a map of each room in your house, noting the exact location of each item you remove. Devise a labeling system that will work for your purposes and stick with it. During a recent project, we simply labeled each item with numbers (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.) and noted where each numbered item belonged on our room maps. Taking a few extra minutes to label will save you time later when it's time to reinstall your fixtures.
It's also important to keep all of the parts together and labeled. You want to label each part not only to keep them together, but to remember where each part belongs. For example, if I were removing a window, I would label the window and each part (each hinge, each screw, each latch) with the number that coordinates with the window's location on my room map. I'd also label each part so I knew where it belonged on the window. Particularly with old houses, the hinge that fits one window perfectly may not fit as perfectly on another window. Again, save yourself time later by labeling now.
Last, you need to find a safe place to store your fixtures. Wrap the items to protect them, if necessary. If they are small enough, place them inside a sturdy, well-labeled box. If there is enough space in one of the parts of your house that will not be affected by the remodel, store your fixtures there. Otherwise, it will be necessary to store them off-site. Be sure to choose a location that is safe from water or other damage.
Items That Cannot Be Removed
Perhaps the fixtures you want to protect cannot be removed, or at least cannot be removed without a lot of time and expense. Maybe you have an antique boiler that you would like to preserve while you finish you basement, for example. The type of protection your particular fixture will need will vary with the type of damage it may incur.
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