Home renovations are massive projects that involve tons of planning. There are factors to consider before starting any home improvement project but especially a renovation. Whether you’re redoing one room or an entire home, you’ll need to research trustworthy contractors and create a budget that can accommodate any inconveniences, such as a delay in construction or a structural issue with your home.
Explore these common problems found during renovationsso you can be prepared for any surprises, especially if you own an older home.
Dry Rot
Dry rot is a fungus that grows in wood that has been wet, and it’s usually not visible to the naked eye until the work begins. A previously repaired water leak causes dry rot, and even though the leak no longer exists, the damage has already been done. Your crew might notice signs of dry rot, which may come in the form of soft and crumbly wood and white stain. Since dry rot can spread to other areas, they’ll need to replace any wooden structural elements nearby.
Foundation
Older homes will have more issues than newer homes, and foundation problems could be one of these issues. Typically, these issues arise because the original builder didn’t properly grade for water runoff, making it easier for mold to grow in basements. Signs that your home has foundation issues include cracks in the floors and walls and gummy doors and windows.
Plumbing
If you live in an older home, you could run into some issues with your plumbing. Old homes sometimes have galvanized pipes that often corrode, causing clogs and ruptures. If a contractor finds an aging piping system in your home, they’ll likely recommend replacing the pipes with copper or PVC to avoid major problems in the future.
Asbestos
Homeowners who are renovating older homes could encounter asbestos problems, too. Asbestos is a fire retardant used in buildings built before the 1970s. HVAC systems, flooring, insulation, and duct work are some places where your construction crew could come across asbestos.
Asbestos isn’t a problem when it’s in good condition, but it can become dangerous if any sawing or scraping turns it into powder. Construction crews and homeowners can inhale it into their lungs and cause severe problems. If you have asbestos in your home, you’ll need a professional abatement company to safely remove the material. Hopefully, you won’t run into any of these common problems found during renovations. Still, it’s always wise to leave some room in the budget for any unplanned contingecies.