Renovating an Old Home? 5 Areas to Keep an Eye On

Of course, renovating a relatively new home is very different from renovating an old home. Here are five things you should keep an eye on if you’re renovating an old home.

Electrical

Electrical systems in older homes aren’t necessarily bad, but they’re often outdated. That means they lack modern safety features, such as grounded outlets, or outdated wiring.

You’ll want an experienced electrician to take a look at the electrical system and make a recommendation for upgrade and potential repairs.

Plumbing

Plumbing in old homes is notorious for problems. In some cases, you’re dealing with galvanized piping that corrodes and clogs up easily.

If the house is old enough, you might even find some lead piping. Replacing some or all of the piping with modern options, such as PVC or PEX, is often necessary for older homes.

A Complete Guide To Home Plumbing Issues

view photo remodeling topic – new win

Roofing

Another potential problem spot in an old home is the roofing. Over the course of the home’s life, that roof might have sprung leaks and not gotten the appropriate repairs. Leaks are particularly hard on the sheathing, the wood that supports the shingles.

To ensure your home’s integrity, you’ll want a qualified roofer to come out for an inspection to ensure that everything is in proper working order or to conduct any necessary repairs.

Hazardous Materials

A lot of materials commonly used in home building in the past are now known to be toxic. Asbestos, for example, was used in many homes and commercial buildings. Lead paint was common at one point.

You can still find asbestos hiding in the walls of some houses. Lead paint lurks beneath coats of new paint that owners applied over the years. If a contractor finds these materials, you may need remediation to remove them.

Moisture

Older homes often have moisture problems, particularly in the basement and around the foundation. That can leave you with mold and mildew problems that will prove difficult to solve.

You may end up dealing with mold removal and sealing up the basement against water intrusion.

Reasons Why Mold Remediation Is Crucial

view photo remodeling topic – new win

Renovating an old home can become a real challenge for a new homeowner. The plumbing and electrical systems are often outdated. The roof may be compromised in a non-obvious way. You may find hazardous materials in the walls or face a leaky basement.

Yet, renovating an old home can also leave you with a unique and charming home. Don’t let potential problems change your mind if you find the home of your dreams.

Image credit: by envato.com

end of post … please share it!

|__________________________________________________________|

   home remodeling surprise     
  find out where it might go - new win

analysis	photos	forms	guides