Research shows 50% of houses available on the market are at least 40 years old, which increases the likelihood of health problems. But regardless of how old your home is, some renovation projects are worth prioritizing, considering you likely want to keep your family healthy. Here are a few home renovation projects that can improve your family's health.

Paint Jobs for Healthy Living

There's a particular way homes should be repainted. Of course, you'll need primer and perhaps sandpaper, but homes built before 1978 may contain lead. Lead poisoning is bad news and can happen if sandpaper is used before applying nontoxic paint. Therefore, the paint you use should contain low-volatile organic compounds (VOC).

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, VOC consists of a variety of harmful chemicals that may affect indoor air quality. Without these chemicals, your family may not experience headaches and other adverse health effects. Some low or non-VOC paint brands include:

• Benjamin Moore Natura

• Go Green World Products

• Shermin-Williams Harmony

• Clare

• Bioshield Healthy Living Paints

Bathroom Renovation

Many homeowners use cleaning products with harsh chemicals that can linger after living in the same bathroom setup. But installing a new shower or retiling floors can eliminate mold and mildew which comes from condensation the naked eye might not notice. Because of the moisture in your bathroom, this particular renovation should be prioritized.

Roof Repair

From replacing shingles to adding flashing and underlayment, roof repair and replacement can go a long way in keeping your family safe. Without a secure roof, your family will be prone to leakage and the resulting water damage and mold. In the event of outdoor air pollution, roof repair can also protect your family from being exposed to more pollutants than usual.

Clean Water for Your Family's Health

What about a whole-house water filtration system? Well, if there's one strenuous job that requires hydration, it's moving from one home to another. Research shows more than half of all moves take place during the summer, between the beginning of May and Labor Day. That's heat and dehydration which can be remedied only with fresh, cool, drinkable water. A whole-house water filter system can cleanse your water of chlorine and harmful bacteria so you can take a nice shower or enjoy a glass of cold water.

Health and Home Offices

Homeowners may not always think of mental health when renovating their homes. But adding or renovating a home office separates work from leisure, resulting in decreased anxiety and stress. Simply think of how good it feels to unwind after a long day of work and relax on the couch. That's harder to do when you're working at your kitchen table instead of your home office.

• Remodeling can free up space for deep cleaning

• Drywall repair rids the home of toxins and chemicals buried deep within the home

• Restructuring can completely eliminate clutter, lower anxiety, and improve air quality

Window Installation and Ventilation Improvements

Unclean indoor air triggers asthma symptoms and other lung illnesses. All health problems are scary, but unlike many health risks, the effects of indoor air pollution can sneak up on unsuspecting families, causing illnesses and worse. According to the U. S. Department of Energy, air leaks around your windows and doors can add 10% to your heating bills. However, exterior shading such as overhangs and exterior blinds can improve efficiency.

From applying a fresh coat of paint to making sure your roof is in tip-top shape, the right renovations can keep your family healthy for years to come. If you're ever in doubt, trust that the research shows that indoor air pollution, mold, and unsanitary water can hurt your family without you noticing. So going forward, consider these renovations to make your home feel as good as it looks.