Building Safety Starts with Small Steps

At BuildBright Foundation, we work with homeowners every day who are facing difficult living conditions — outdated wiring, slippery floors, poor lighting, and more. Many people assume that making a home safer is expensive or requires a contractor. But here’s the good news: a safer home doesn’t have to cost thousands of dollars.

We believe in empowering families and individuals with the knowledge to take charge of their space. That’s why we’re sharing five small yet impactful upgrades you can do on your own, affordably — whether you rent or own, live alone or with loved ones.

Let’s make safety simple and accessible for everyone.

1. Install Grab Bars in the Bathroom

Bathrooms are one of the most common places for slips and falls — especially for seniors, individuals with disabilities, or kids. A secure grab bar near the toilet or in the shower can make a huge difference in both safety and peace of mind.

Why it matters: A fall in the bathroom can cause major injury and even long-term hospitalization. Prevention is key.
Cost: $20–$40 per bar
DIY Tip: Use a stud finder and screws, not just anchors, to make sure the bar holds strong under weight.

Bonus: Many home improvement stores offer pre-cut grab bars and installation guides.

2. Test and Replace Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

A working smoke alarm cuts your risk of dying in a house fire by nearly 50%. Every home should have:

A smoke detector on every floor
One in or near every bedroom
A carbon monoxide detector near heating sources and bedrooms
Cost: $10–$30 per unit

Bonus: Many home improvement stores offer pre-cut grab bars and installation guides.

3. Use Non-Slip Mats and Tread Strips

Smooth floors — especially tile or hardwood — can become slick when wet. That’s where non-slip mats and grip tape come in.

Where to use them:

In front of kitchen sinks
Inside and outside the shower
On stairs
Entryways where rain or dirt is tracked in
Cost: $5–$25

Preventing a fall is much easier than recovering from one.

DIY Tip: Choose mats with rubber backing or adhesive grip strips for extra safety.

4. Add Motion Sensor Lights Outdoors

Dark porches, entryways, and walkways aren’t just dangerous — they’re also easy targets for theft. Installing simple solar-powered motion lights boosts visibility and peace of mind.

Cost: $15–$40

These lights not only improve safety — they welcome guests and deter intruders.

DIY Tip: Most outdoor lights today are plug-and-play — no electrician required. Choose solar-powered options to skip wiring altogether.

5. Secure Rugs and Cords

Loose area rugs and exposed extension cords are trip hazards hiding in plain sight — especially in homes with kids or elderly residents.

Cost: Under $10 for rug grippers or cord covers

You’d be surprised how many ER visits can be prevented with this one simple fix.

DIY Tip: Use double-sided carpet tape for rugs and plastic cord channels to keep cords flush against the wall.

Small Fixes, Big Impact

These five steps may seem basic, but combined, they can dramatically improve the safety and comfort of your home — without the stress or high cost of major renovations.

And remember: you don’t have to do it all at once. Start with the one that feels most urgent for your home or loved ones, and build from there.

When You Need More Than DIY — We’re Here for You

At BuildBright Foundation, we offer free or low-cost home renovation assistance to:

Low-income families
Disabled veterans
Individuals with mobility challenges or unsafe housing conditions

Whether you need a wheelchair ramp, safer bathroom access, or critical home repairs — we may be able to help. Our team also offers educational consultations to guide you through your own renovation journey.