Renovating your home is a great way to not only add value to the property but to have a house where you feel comfortable and relaxed. Another great benefit to renovating a home is that it gives you a chance to see the inner workings of the building and check for problems. Use the time you’re renovating to check for issues behind the scenes that can then be fixed, repaired or replaced before the renovations get totally underway.
Here is a checklist of things to look for during house renovations:
Wood Rot
Wood rot can be a major problem, especially if it is ignored and allowed to get worse. Unfortunately, wood rot is often one of those problems that go undetected until it is really bad or until a floor or wall collapses. For this reason, check under and around anything being ripped up for signs of wood rot and replace anything that you notice is out of the ordinary.
Mould and Mildew
Mould and mildew often hide behind walls and floors and is often found during renovation work. You can often see mould and mildew, but you can also smell for it if you are working in a dark area. Mould and mildew can be a major health problem for your family, so it’s vital that you look for signs of this fungus when ripping out floors and walls.
Insulation Issues
The insulation in your home is responsible for keeping your house energy efficient and comfortable. During the winter months, the insulation will protect cold winds from infiltrating the walls and during the summer, you can enjoy a cool and comfortable house. Unfortunately, insulation problems can arise at any time. Small pests and animals can go through the insulation, pulling it apart and compromising your home’s efficiency. For this reason, look for any insulation problems while renovating the house.
Blocked Drains
Blocked drains can be a major issue for any homeowner and can make it difficult and even impossible to use the plumbing in the way that you want or need. Signs of blocked drains include an inability to flush toilets, backing up of water in the tubs or sinks or standing water when taking a shower or using the sink. Be sure to hire professionals to handle the issue and provide blocked drain services for you during renovation work.
Plumbing Leaks and Problems
Use the time that you’re renovating your home to take care of any plumbing problems or leaks. When you’re renovating, you’ll have a clear view of plumbing that is underneath the floors, in the basement or even behind walls. This gives you a chance to easily and efficiently change out any plumbing that is experiencing problems and get your water working in the correct manner.
Electrical Issues
While it’s important to get help from a licensed and qualified electrician, renovations allow you to check and find electrical problems throughout the house. You might notice frayed wired behind walls that could have been chewed by critters or you might notice that certain outlets just aren’t working and can then be fixed, repaired or changed out.
By checking for problems during renovation work, you will find that it is easy and quick to get your home back to working order without having to worry that it is an ongoing issue. When needed, contact a local professional to handle the repair work or you can try to fix the issue on your own if you have the skills and tools necessary to get this work done.