Starting a home renovation project can be very exciting. Whether you have lived in your home for years and want to make it feel new, or you purchased a property that needs work before you can call it home, there is something special about recreating a space and making it all your own.
However, home renovations often come with many roadblocks. After you begin the project and see what is behind the drywall or under that old carpet, you may find problems you didn’t even know existed. Fortunately, that is what we are here for. As your architects, we know what to look for and how to fix it. We have compiled a list of common issues that arise when renovating a home and how to handle them.
Water Damage
Water damage is a very common but serious problem. It may be a leak in the roof causing water to come through the ceiling, or perhaps a plumbing issue. Water damage oftentimes goes unnoticed until a home renovation project begins and walls are opened up. Water damage can result in rotten or warped wood, mold or mildew, or termites. If such issues arise, we as part of your construction team will ensure that all structural problems are identified and repaired. We may also assist you in locating and securing specialists, such as a company that handles mold removal, to make sure your home is safe and healthy.
Foundation Cracks or Damage
A crack in the foundation is not something you want to find because it can be very expensive to fix. Foundation cracks can be discovered if you find cracks in your walls or floors, gaps along the edges of rooms, or you notice that doors or windows stick. Sometimes it is not found until a project begins. This problem can occur for a variety of reasons: cement begins to crumble over time; water runoff from a grading issue; the ground settling underneath the weight of the house. Regardless of how the damage occurred, it is important to bring in a structural engineer to inspect the house, evaluate the problem and make a plan to fix it. Many foundation issues can be addressed, but in some cases a new foundation is required.
Unsafe Materials
When renovating an older home, we sometimes come across materials that were used commonly “back in the day” that have been determined to be dangerous or unhealthy. Such materials include lead and asbestos, and require special handling and disposal.
Plumbing and Electrical Issues
In addition to the materials used to build homes, building codes also have changed over time. Plumbing and electrical systems may be found to be outdated and no longer meet the code requirements during your renovation project. Old plumbing may include galvanized pipes, which we now know are prone to corrosion, clogging, or leaking. Outdated electrical systems may not be able to keep up with modern appliances. Updating plumbing and electric may seem tedious, but it is vital in order to keep your home safe and healthy.
Learning about any of the above issues early, while renovation plans are being made, will help to avoid many headaches during your project. Hiring an architect is a great first step to beginning a home renovation project, as issues will be identified that can be addressed right away and included in your budget.
We know that renovating your house can be overwhelming, especially when unknown problems arise, but it can also be incredibly rewarding to see your dream home come to life. Get in touch with us today so we can take the stress off of you and do what we do best. From dream to reality, we will be there to handle every step of the process.
