Do-it-yourself home improvement is a steadily increasing trend. Armed with a few episodes of their favorite home makeover show and an SUV to load up new tools and products, people flock to their local home improvement stores in hopes of finding ways to increase their home's value and their quality of life. Unfortunately, they may pass over the safety gear, increasing the chance that their home improvement project will end with a trip to the emergency room. For each type of project you do, there are safety precautions that you should take, whether you are a novice or an expert.

For almost any project, you will need safety glasses or safety goggles. Even if you are using hand tools, debris can fly back and hit you in the eye and destroy your vision. For power tools, they are a no brainer. If you are doing a lot of work outside, there are now safety glasses available with UV protection that double as sunglasses, so you can protect your eyes from the sun and from your project at the same time.

If your project involves painting, installing insulation, or working with any kind of chemicals, a mask will protect your lungs. For some projects, like insulation or some sanding, a mask that just blocks particles from entering your nose and mouth may be sufficient. For other projects that give off fumes, you will want a respirator mask that eliminates fumes from the air you breathe, in addition to making sure that you work with as much ventilation as possible. Also, make sure fumes have dissipated before allowing your family and pets back into the work area.

Gloves will protect your hands from scrapes, bumps, and blisters, and can also make post-project cleanup a lot easier. For jobs that involve moving materials like wood or drywall, or repetitive motions like raking or sweeping, you will probably want work gloves made from canvas or leather. For other jobs like painting or plumbing, latex or vinyl (if you are allergic to latex) gloves will keep your hands clean, and also let you keep dexterity for manipulating things in small spaces or doing detailed work.

No matter how careful and prepared you are, accidents can and do still happen. Keeping a well stocked first aid kit on hand can take care of minor injuries and help fill in the gap until emergency help arrives for larger ones.