Renovating an old home can be a rewarding experience, but it’s not an easy job to take on. While old homes may seem like they’re in good condition, problems can come up during the remodeling or renovation process. That’s why it’s a good idea to hire a professional contractor with the right survey equipment and is ready to expect the unexpected. Any kind of remodeling or renovation job is a major undertaking. Whether you’re upgrading your current home, renovating an old house, or flipping a home you just bought, there are a number of hurdles you will face (which is something about which many homeowners complain). 

Most people start with a fixed budget, but they often find it hard to stick to it when the renovation actually begins. They find out that getting what they want is more expensive than what was originally estimated. That’s why it’s a good idea to do a market survey before the renovation begins and to adjust your budget accordingly. Finding the right people with survey equipment to do the work also makes a big difference. Plan it in advance and get as many quotes as you can from professionals. You also want to do your research, so you can get the best person for the job.

Common Problems from Renovating Old Homes

Here are some of the common problems you could face from renovating old homes:

• Plumbing — Plumbing problems are common in older homes because galvanized pipes either get clogged or corroded. This issue is not only limited to the pipes in the house but can also extend to the sewer lines. Galvanized pipes were used before the 1960’s, and they should be replaced with copper or plastic.

• Mold — Old homes usually have a stale smell, which can be caused by mold that usually develops because of water leakage from pipes, walls, or the roof. Hire a professional to take care of mold problems during the construction process, so they can detect the source of the leakage and fix the issue.

• Dry Rot — A lot of homes have problems with dry rot, which isn’t always visible until the renovation actually starts. Dry rot is caused by a fungus that grows in wood that has been wet, which can cause it to become crumbly and soft. Sometimes, it appears to have white stains. And even if the original leak has been repaired, dry rot can continue to spread. If the affected wood is part of the home’s structural support, it’s not something you want to take care of yourself.

• Foundation Problems — Old homes were built without the right survey equipment to allow for proper water runoff, which can lead to mold growth in basements. Foundation problems can be detected through the presence of cracks on the floor, in the walls, as well as by sticky windows and doors.

• Electrical Wiring — The electrical wiring in older homes may not be well equipped to power modern-day appliances. Older wiring systems weren’t always grounded, which you can check by examining your outlets. Old, brittle, and faulty wiring can also cause short-circuits, which can cause a house fire.

• Asbestos — This is one of the leading problems in homes that were built at least 40 years ago. It’s a fire-retardant product that was widely used in earlier constructions. It can be found in HVAC systems, flooring, insulation, duct work, and roofing systems. Asbestos isn’t harmful if it’s in good condition. The problem starts when it turns into a powder, which can be caused by sawing, cutting, and scraping. This powder can be inhaled, which can cause severe lung damage.

• Lead Paint — If the house you’re renovating was built before 1978, there’s a good chance there was lead in the paint. Lead is released into the air when leaded paint is sanded or heated, which can be hazardous to pets, children, and even adults. Make sure you have a professional examine and test the house for lead before you decide to buy it.

 

These are some of the issues that can occur from renovating an older home, which is why you need to hire a professional contractor that can come up with the right plan.