4 Issues You May Encounter During a Renovation

4 Issues You May Encounter During a Renovation
Chris Grasso
7/24/2013
Updated:
4/24/2016

Most renovation projects don’t go perfectly as planned, and depending on how big your project is, you’re likely to encounter some issues along the way. Check out these four problems that are common when renovating a home. Buying an older home can sometimes be a bit tricky and lead to renovations, visiting sites like http://hispersonalbest.com/ that have guides to buying older homes which can help you with what you should look for. 

1. Load Bearing Walls

Little Whelnetham 14 March 2010, Jan's House Build March 2010

Image via Flickr by Martin Pettitt

One issue that many people forget to consider when renovating their home is that there are certain walls that you can’t remove. Load bearing walls are a crucial structural element to the home, and they become difficult to work around when you want to open up the space. When creating your plans, learn how to identify load bearing walls.

If you’re unsure how to work around them, call in a professional to help you create a design that still offers structural support. Often times you can replace the wall with a beam to support the home. Read this article for further information on how to remove a load bearing wall.

2. Electrical Wiring

 Electrical Wiring Rough-In

Image via Flickr by levantarmialma

There are several issues that you might encounter with electrical wiring. First, it may not be up to code. If your home is old, there may not have been many codes at the time of construction. You'll want to hire an electrician to inspect your wiring and to give you a quote on how much it will cost to get your home up to code.

But old wiring systems aren’t the only problem when it comes to electrical wiring. Sometimes you'll run into unexpected wires behind the wall. If you’re unprepared for wires, it could set your entire project back. Be sure to give yourself more time than you need in case you run into unexpected situations like this.

3. Bug Damage

Termite

Image via Flickr by dotcompals

When you’re doing a home renovation, it’s not uncommon to unveil pests behind the walls. Termites are among some of the most dangerous bugs in the home because they eat through the wood; this damages your home and can cost a lot to repair, but if you catch the problem early, you may not have to replace anything.

To know what to look for, check out these signs of termites. If you suspect that you have a termite infestation, turn to your local exterminator to get rid of them as they can compromise your home’s structure.

4. Foundation Cracks

 cracked

 

Image via Flickr by WayTru

If you’re renovating an older home, you might run across cracks in the foundation. Be sure to get this looked at and fixed right away since foundation cracks can cause water to seep into your home and promote mold growth, which can compromise your family’s health. Additionally, cracked foundations can allow radon into your home, which is a dangerous natural gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.

These dangers don’t cost much to fix if you consider the long-term effects of leaving your cracked foundation as-is. According to one estimate, it only costs about $600 to $750 to seal your basement, which can help eliminate these dangers and keep your family healthy.

 If you do run into these problems or have other issues when renovating, it’s best to consult a professional for advice or services for the best results.

Chris is a freelance writer who also enjoy going fishing. He enjoys the sunshine and all kinds of outdoor activities. Email Chris at [email protected]
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