Are you considering the purchase of a fixer upper? An older home in need of a remodel can be a very rewarding project to embark on but, before you do, have you done your research? This is very important as an older home often comes with many problems which could break your budget if you are not careful. Let’s look at some of the problems which frequently accompany an older home.
Thanks to improvements in technology, we are much more aware of the health concerns associated with older building materials, however, an older home, especially if it has had the same owner for many years, is likely to still contain some of these materials. These will need to be removed by a professional. Asbestos is one such material. Homes built between the 1930s to 50s were built using asbestos insulation. There are some serious health risks associated with asbestos as we have become well aware in recent years.
Radon is something else you might encounter. While it cannot be detected by smell or sight, a test can reveal whether or not radon levels are too high.
Lead paint is another issue found in many old homes. As the paint deteriorates and starts chipping or turning to dust, this becomes a serious health risk, particularly for young infants.
During the 1960s to 1970s aluminum wiring was often used instead of copper. If you find this to be the case in your home, its likely it will need replacing as aluminum wiring was found to be defective over time.
Although this is just a brief list of the issues you may encounter in an older home, it should highlight the need to enter the remodeling process with a full knowledge of these problems and the amount of money it will take to remedy.
