A renovation project can be very enjoyable and rewarding, but as most people who have taken on a fixer-upper will tell you, it can also have many challenges. If you are not prepared for these challenges, your budget and renovation time frame can get bigger and bigger. Here are a few of the problems you may encounter when taking on an old property:
Years ago, houses were built using many materials we now know to be hazardous. If the house you are renovating has hardly been touched since it was built, you may well discover some of these materials. One of those materials that will eat into your budget if found is Asbestos. Through the 1930s and 50s asbestos was commonly used in things like insulation, although it is not just limited to this. If you discover asbestos, it will need to be dealt with by a professional.
Lead paint can also be an issue in houses that are over 40 years old. It becomes a bigger problem when it starts to deteriorate and chip, which is very likely the case with a fixer-upper. Make sure to keep children and infants away from lead paint.
In the 1960s and 1970s, aluminum wiring was commonly used as a replacement for copper wiring. If your old property has aluminum wiring, be prepared to replace it, as it was found to be defective with time.
An older property may also experience higher levels of Radon gas which is harmful to health. As it is invisible and has no odor, a test must be performed to determine how much Radon is in the home.