Potential setbacks when renovating an older home
When renovating an older home it’s not unusual to run into existing problems. A couple of common examples are the presence of asbestos and lead paint. If the home was built before the 1980s it is likely to contain asbestos which can show up in floor tiles, insulation, behind walls and ceilings among other areas. Lead paint was banned from use in residential homes in 1977 but was used extensively in new homes built before then. Both asbestos and lead paint particles can be very toxic to people and pets when sanded or disturbed then released into the air and inhaled or ingested. Other issues which can arise involve the home’s structure/foundation, water damage, HVAC, electrical and plumbing problems to name a few. There are solutions to all of these obstacles but they must be addressed and remedied before proceeding with a renovation. Here are some vulnerable areas and things to look out for.
Structure/Foundation
Cracks in walls, floors
Drainage issues
Foundation cracks, settling, shifting
Crumbling materials
Uneven walls, doors
Sticky windows
Water Damage
Roof leaks
Ceiling damage
Cracked pipes
Flooding
Damaged sheetrock
Rotten wood
HVAC
Leaky ductwork
Poor airflow
Outdated thermostats
No zoning
Inefficient HVAC units
Poor indoor air quality
Electrical/Plumbing
Outdated wiring
Outlets not grounded
No GFCI breaker
Galvanized pipes
Leaky pipes
Corroded sewer lines
Unsafe Materials
Mold
Mildew
Asbestos
Lead paint
Radon