8 Principles of a Healthy Home

At Rebuilding Together Baltimore, we believe safe homes and communities are a vital part of a thriving Baltimore. We follow the Eight Principles of Healthy Homes in our home repair work. In addition, we partner with community leaders and residents to identify and implement Community Impact Projects that benefit entire neighborhoods.

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The home repairs we do are also structured based on Rebuilding Together's 25 Health and Safety Priorities, which you can read here.

 

To get a better idea of how these principles get executed in our day-to-day, hover over each one to see a list of repair examples that correlate with each principle. 

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A leaking roof can cause severe structural damage, and mold.

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DRY

  • Repairing roof leaks

  • Repairing plumbing leaks

  • Repairing or replacing gutters and downspouts

  • Grading away from foundation 

DRY

Clean homes reduce pest infestation and exposure to contaminants. 

CLEAN

CLEAN

  • Removing yard debris

  • Removing clutter in home

  • Repairing countertops and cabinets

  • Removing carpet and installing hard flooring

Exposure to pests can trigger asthma attacks.

PEST-FREE

  • Sealing gaps, cracks, and holes in foundation

  • Removing shrubs and trees away from home

  • Removing debris in and outside the home

  • Hiring pest control

PEST FREE

Safe homes prevent injuries, such as falls, burns, and poisonings. 

SAFE

  • Installing smoke and CO alarms, and fire extinguishers 

  • Installing grab bars and handrails

  • Repairing flooring, and adding transition strips

  • Installing GFCI outlets

SAFE

Exposure to harmful chemicals, such as lead and carbon monoxide are far higher      indoors than outside. 

CONTAMINANT-FREE

CONTAMINANT-FREE

  • Installing CO detector

  • Service furnace, water heater, and HVAC

  • Remove unused gas heaters

  • Follow lead-safe work practices

  • Use low VOC paints and caulks 

VENTILATED

  • Venting dryer outside

  • Repairing or installing exhaust fans

  • Changing furnace filter and cover

  • Air sealing attic hatch

  • Adding weatherstrip to doors and windows

VENTILATED

Access to a good, fresh air supply reduces moisture, ensures air quality, and promotes respiratory health.

Poorly maintained homes are at risk for moisture, pest  problems, and injury hazards.

MAINTAINED

  • Repairing or replacing furnace, water heater, and other appliances

  • Landscaping

  • Maintaining interior and exterior paint

  • Replacing bulbs with CFLs/LEDs

MAINTAINED

Regulated temperature in a home is important for greater health and comfort, as well as better energy efficiency. 

THERMALLY CONTROLLED

THERMALLY CONTROLLED

  • Weatherstipping doors and windows

  • Wrapping water heater to reduce energy loss

  • Air sealing attic hatch

  • Changing furnace filter and cover

  • Increasing insulation

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We work with community residents to identify beautification needs in or around public spaces

COMMUNITY IMPACT PROJECTS

  • Restoring empty lots

  • Painting

  • Creating community gardens

  • Sprucing up community centers