New homes just aren’t built the way they used to be.
Have you ever heard someone say this? Or maybe you’ve said it yourself? While this statement is true, it goes both ways. Yes, many of today’s homes aren’t built with the same quality craftsmanship as they were 50 years ago. However, it’s also true that many homes have hidden issues and problems lurking behind closed walls.
If you own an older home and are thinking about investing in some renovations, it’s important that you understand some potential risks you could face once you start these projects.
In this article, we’re going to explore four that are fairly common.
- Asbestos and Lead
One of the biggest and most serious risks when renovating an older home is the presence of hazardous materials like asbestos and lead. Homes built before the 1980s often used asbestos in insulation, flooring, and other building materials.
Drilling, hammering, removing walls, and moving old building materials can unintentionally disturb asbestos and send microscopic fibers into the air – similar to a cloud of sawdust (though totally invisible). Anyone who is near this “dust” is at risk of being exposed.
“Without proper protective equipment, one can inhale or swallow the tiny, needle-like fibers, causing mesothelioma among other severe health conditions,” MesotheliomaGuide.com explains. “The asbestos fibers can become lodged in the protective linings of the lungs, abdomen or heart, causing tissue irritation, cell mutation and the development of mesothelioma.”
Lead-based paint, which was commonly used until 1978, can also be a major health risk. If you’re removing painted walls, trim, baseboards, or crown molding, treat it with the assumption that it has lead paint.
With all of this being said, it’s crucial to have your home inspected by a professional prior to starting any renovations. If asbestos or lead is found, you’ll need to hire specialists to safely remove these materials.
- Structural Issues
Older homes have often been through decades of wear and tear. Structural problems such as foundation cracks, rotting wood, and deteriorating support beams are common in older properties. These issues can be costly and challenging to repair.
Before you begin renovations, it’s essential to have a thorough inspection of your home’s structure. This can help identify any weaknesses that need to be addressed to ensure the safety and stability of your home. Ignoring these issues or trying to fix them yourself can lead to further damage and even make your home unsafe to live in.
- Outdated Electrical and Plumbing Systems
The electrical and plumbing systems in older homes are often outdated and not up to current codes. Old wiring can be a fire hazard, and outdated plumbing can lead to leaks and water damage. Renovating an older home often means completely updating these systems, which can be a complex and expensive process.
Upgrading your electrical system might require rewiring the entire house or adding new outlets. You may even need to install new, updated circuit breakers. Then there are plumbing updates, which can involve replacing old pipes, fixtures, and even the main water line. These are extensive jobs that require licensed and trained professionals.
- Hidden Surprises
When renovating an older home, you can almost always expect to find hidden surprises. These can include things like mold behind the walls, termite damage, or even old construction methods that are no longer safe or efficient. These each can add significant time and cost to your renovation project.
With this in mind, it’s smart to budget extra time and money for your renovation. As far as the financial budget goes, it’s a good rule of thumb to budget an extra 10 to 15 percent for hidden surprises. That means if you’re anticipating a $20,000 project, you should probably budget more like $22,000 – $23,000. For timing, always double the amount of time you think it’s going to take. If you’re told it’s a three-month project, anticipate it taking up to six months to complete.
Adding it All Up
We’re not telling you to not renovate your house. Instead, we just want you to be aware of some of the potential risk factors that are present when embarking on these projects. It’s possible that you won’t experience any of these, but there’s also a chance you could encounter issues.
This is why it’s important to work with a skilled contractor and team who understand the intricacies of dealing with homes that were built in your era.