Home Renovations and Little Ones?

For those who have homes built prior to 1978 (and may have lead paint) how do you handle renovations?

We really want (and actually will soon need) to redo our kitchen at some point. I know there is some lead paint several layers down in our cabinets and quite likely is some also behind the cabinets. Plus, we would love to remove th beyond fugly wallpaper in the bathroom next to DSs room. It appears to be c. 80s stuff, so there is a good chance there is lead paint under that.

How do you do this safely? Did you send DC away while the work was being done? I am seriously considering that for the kitchen, but it would be very hard for DH to let the people in everyday with this work schedule. Did anyone have a contractor who really knows how to remove this stuff safely? Besides the lead paint, I just don't think it's good for him to be exposed to all the dust.

Re: Home Renovations and Little Ones?

If you plan to rip down & replace sheet rock I would plan to stay somewhere else with DS. I renovated 1/2 my house while I was pregnant & there was so much dust, there was no way to contain it.
If it is just a matter of new cabinets then the dust is not that bad, you can just tape heavy plastic over your doorways.

Re: Home Renovations and Little Ones?

Thanks! I was thinking possibly a local hotel (DH shouldn't really be here either). Or, I could take DS to Florida and stay with my parents for a bit.

When we redo the kitchen, we will most likely take down the wall between that and the formal dining room, so we'll have one big room and can have more cabinet space.