Common Problems Found During Building Renovations

Building Renovations can post a multitude of problems, from damp to asbestos and beyond.

22:12 19 September 2017

But what are some of the most common problems that you can run into during building renovations? While most problems can be easily solved and prevented through companies such as Kenwood damp repairs, or a professional asbestos service, it’s still important to consider these problems, and so we’ve collected together some of the most common problems to look out for during your renovation.

 

Damp and Mould

 

When it comes to renovating your home, damp and mould is a common issue that you can come across. You’re likely to be able to smell the damp before you see it, so if you come across a musty smell in the building you’re going to renovate, it’s likely that damp had taken hold. This is particularly prominent in older buildings that are less likely to have damp-proofing and insufficient insulation, and can manifest in the presence of water, damp patches, mould, wet or dry rot, failing plasterwork on both walls and ceilings, and white sale deposits on your bricks or stonework. Make sure you not only solve the damp problem, but also repair any of the structural damage during your renovation. Have a specialist look at the problem and they can tell you what needs to be done and the approximate cost of doing it.

 

Plumbing 

 

Plumbing within old homes is notorious for needing to be replaced or fixed. The pipes are likely to be blocked or clogged, or in the case of underuse, it’s possible they’ve even rusted or rotted. Galvanised pipes were common before the 1960’s, so if you know that your building was built before then, it may be worth looking into the pipes and what state they are in. In the case of needing to replace them, ensure that you use copper or plastic. Altering and relocating the bathrooms is a good reason to check the pipes. You may be bringing up the floorboards anyway for rewiring, so it may be worth replacing them anyway.

 

Electrical Wiring

 

Unless your building has been rewired within the past 20-30 years, it’s entirely likely that your building will need rewiring – at least partially. Rewiring the entire building can be expensive, but it is also necessary if you want a system that will keep up with today’s technology. It’s also important to check if your electrical system is grounded and that the wires aren’t brittle or faulty for the sake of safety. Old, faulty wires can be the cause of house fires, so make sure that you have a professional have a look at the wiring throughout the building. Renovation is a good opportunity to rewire the house, and ensure that you add a ground fault circuit interrupter for extra safety regarding power surges and short-circuiting. 

 

Asbestos

 

The leading problem for all houses over 40 years old is asbestos, and it’s a serious problem at that. The fire retardant substance was used extensively in early construction and can be found in flooring, insulations, roofing, ducts and more. While asbestos that is in good condition isn’t harmful, it can become extremely so when it becomes a powder that can be inhaled – usually caused by sawing, cutting and scraping. Severe lung damage is common when it comes to asbestos, and so it’s important to have an expert detect and remove the asbestos from your home before renovation.