If you’re planning home improvements, order an inspection before renovating. You’ll learn more about the condition of your home and its structural components. An inspector will assess the home and write a report detailing any problems, structural issues, and safety concerns. The information in the report will help you decide how to move forward with your renovations.
Order an Inspection Before Renovating to Discover Hidden Issues
You might have your dream kitchen in mind or maybe you’re planning to add another bedroom to your home. It’s possible you’ve already picked out new cabinets, ordered new flooring, and are excited about the updates.
When you order an inspection first, you’ll learn about problems that could affect your renovation plans. If you’re planning a build-out, you might learn that there are concerns with the foundation on that side of the house. The home inspector could find water damage and rotting floor joists beneath the kitchen.
While these problems are not good news, it’s better to know about them before you remodel. You’ll save time and money by making structural repairs and replacing the failing floor joists before undertaking a major kitchen update.
Find Hazardous Building Materials
If you live in an older home, it may have been constructed with materials that are now known to be hazardous. In the past, homes were built using asbestos insulation and siding, polybutylene plumbing pipes, and lead-based paint,
Lead paint was used in homes because it was durable and long-lasting. It was banned for interior use in 1978 due to health concerns, especially in small children. Lead-based paint is generally considered safe as long as it is not flaking or peeling. However, during remodeling projects, it is likely the paint will be disturbed.
Until the 1980s, asbestos was used to produce many types of building materials. Some of the products with asbestos that may be in your older home include insulation, siding, roof tiles, and flooring materials. Before undertaking major renovations, have the materials in your home tested for asbestos. Asbestos can cause respiratory issues when disturbed.
Polybutylene is a plastic that was used in plumbing pipes until the mid-1990s. Polybutylene doesn’t cause health concerns, however, it does become more unstable as it ages and is more likely to leak and burst. If you’re undertaking major renovations, plan to replace polybutylene plumbing pipes.
An Inspection Before Renovating will Determine if Your Home Can Support the Upgrades
Your home inspector will assess the visible and accessible systems and components of your home. This includes the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. When adding on to the house, you’ll need to know if the current heating and cooling system is enough to keep the new space comfortable. Depending on the extent of the renovations, you might need to install another circuit or two or even a new electrical panel.
Ordering an inspection before you begin a renovation provides information you need to prioritize projects. You’ll have a solid understanding of the condition of your home so you can make a plan for repairs and updates.
Appalachian Inspection Services offers inspections in Asheville, Buncombe County, and the surrounding areas of Western North Carolina. Contact us to request our services.