If you’re a homeowner, how much do you spend to keep your residence in good shape? A CNBC report shows that homeowners spent, on average, $9,542 on home improvement in 2023. That was up 12% compared to the previous year.
Many homeowners opt to renovate and remodel where they’re at rather than put their dwellings up for sale and move to their dream homes. It can be cheaper to stay put. But whether you do the work yourself or plan to hire a contractor, there are things to consider before proceeding.
You’ll want to be especially careful when working on an older home where more risks could be waiting for whoever will be doing the renovations.
Here are five risks to be mindful of when remodeling older homes.
Table of Contents
1. Asbestos
Source: chemcare.co.nz
In the summer of 1989, the U.S. issued a partial ban on asbestos-containing products, and it issued a full ban in 2024. Before 1989, many materials used to build homes contained asbestos minerals with carcinogenic properties. If asbestos fibers are airborne and are breathed in by unsuspecting people, these fibers can get into the lungs where they can eventually lead to serious diseases. While it can take decades between asbestos exposure and diseases, the potential to get life-shortening cancer makes it essential to be aware of the asbestos risks.
Arguably the most dangerous disease stemming from asbestos exposure is mesothelioma. It’s an aggressive and rare cancer with a life expectancy of under two years after diagnosis. There are different types of mesothelioma, and these various types have specific symptoms. For instance, symptoms of pleural mesothelioma could include chest discomfort, painful breathing, pleural effusions, and a persistent cough.
When doing home renovations, you need to be mindful of materials that could contain asbestos fibers. Such materials include flooring, siding, and roofing. But that’s not all. It’s essential that you get a company specializing in testing for asbestos if renovating an old house.
2. Lead Paint
Source: alleghenyfront.org
Another serious health risk to be mindful of when renovating an older home is lead paint. While not an issue for more recent homes, any home constructed before 1978 could contain lead paint. Lead paint is made from highly toxic metal and can cause nervous system and brain damage, high blood pressure, kidney issues, and even risks to unborn children. It’s best to hire a professional to strip and scrape lead paint. Trying to do it independently can expose you to lead paint. After getting rid of the toxic stuff, you can use some premium paint in its place.
3. Mold and Mildew
Source: trusens.com
Yet another problem to be on the lookout for is mold and mildew. It can be an issue in more recently built homes. However, the risks are higher in older homes. Unfixed leaks or poor ventilation can, over decades, create conditions where mildew and mold thrive and create air quality and health issues.
4. Old Wiring
Wiring is always an issue when it comes to older homes. It’s a good idea to have an electrician check out the state of the electrical system to ensure everything is up to code. You can avoid a lot of problems by doing things the right way and not skipping important steps.
5. Outdated Plumbing
If the home improvement project involves working on the plumbing, be mindful of any problems you might encounter. An older home might have outdated plumbing, including corroded pipes and inefficient drainage systems that might not hold up to the rigors of remodeling.
These are among the most important things to consider if renovating an older home. While you might want to tackle some remodeling projects independently, others may require the help of experts who can do the job safely.
