It’s not an easy job to remodel an old home, but it does come with a rewarding result. However, there are also hidden problems that will make themselves clear the minute you tear open walls. Read on to find out some of the common challenges for renovating an old home that you’ll have to overcome.
Leaking roof
Old homes typically come with aging roofs. Brace yourself for a leaking, deteriorating roof that needs some fixing. You can usually spot these signs from the outside. These signs include:
- Cracked or missing shingles
- Sagging gutters
- Crumbling cement
Look for moisture inside along the roofline and water stains along the floor from leaking water.
Plumbing
Plumbing issues are prevalent in older homes due to their galvanized plumbing. Pipes often become clogged or corroded, and if you don’t fix these issues, problems can also extend to the sewer. Replace the galvanized plumbing with copper or plastic pipes to avoid these issues in the future.
Mold
Since older homes tend to experience leaks, they often also grow mold and develop a stale smell. Hiring professionals to tackle all mold issues during the renovation process is a great idea. They can help determine the source of the problem and fix the underlying issue.
Foundation issues
If your home has foundational problems, you’ll find sticky windows and doors and cracks in the walls and floors. Contractors build today’s homes with proper grading for water runoff to avoid mold in basements. This grading wasn’t used in the construction of older homes, so foundation issues are more common.
Dry rot
Dry rot is a fungus that grows in wood that’s been wet. It will typically stay hidden until you begin renovations. Dry rot can continue to spread even after you fix the initial problem, damaging more wood in the process.
Electrical wiring
Electrical wiring in older homes can bring about many issues. Wiring in older homes wasn’t designed to power up modern-day appliances, nor were they usually grounded. Two-pronged outlets, for instance, are not grounded. Brittle and faulty wiring can cause house fires created from short circuits. Renovating is the perfect time to update the electrical wiring in your old home.
Insulation
Insulation has changed over time and has gotten better at keeping houses comfortable. It’s essential to update the insulation in your older home. There are different types of insulation, so take time to talk through the selection with your contractor.
These common challenges for renovating an old home can be discouraging, but you can overcome them. In the end, you’ll have a beautiful home for years to come.
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