August 12, 2018
3 mins read
Home remodels are fun and exciting. But, they can also be quite stressful. Oftentimes, unforeseen problems pop up during the process. These problems can be quite overwhelming for some homeowners.
Fortunately, no problem is unfixable. The Homeworx team has been around the block a few times, so we’re prepared to deal with any issue that arises. However, we’ve also seen too many homeowners stress out during the process, so we want to ground you on what to expect.
Here are some common remodeling issues:
Old Pipes and Wires
Most of us have no idea what’s inside of our walls. Sure, we know that there are plumbing pipes carrying water and wires transmitting electricity—but are those electrical wires and plumbing pipes up to code?
Too often, they’re not. Especially if you live in a pre-1970’s home, there’s a chance that your pipes and wires could be out of date. This can put the lives of you and your family at risk, so it’s important to have them updated.
Luckily, electricians and plumbers usually charge more to take the walls down. But since you’re undertaking a remodel, the walls will have already been removed. So, it might tack a few days onto the project, but you’ll end up saving money in the long run.
Hazardous Building Materials
We’ve all heard of asbestos. We all know it’s dangerous. But, many people don’t realize that they still have asbestos in their home. If we find that there are hazardous building materials hiding in your roof, floor, walls, or anywhere else, they should be removed.
Up until the mid-1900’s, all kinds of toxic materials were used in home construction. Lead, for example, was used in nearly all commercial paints. Many of these materials are shown to cause cancer and other illnesses, so it’s best to get rid of them during the remodel process.
Structural Issues
Sometimes, a homeowner’s vision for their remodel doesn’t align with the actual structure of their home. For example, if there’s a wall that supports the roof, we can’t knock that wall down. In order to remove that wall, an architect or engineer will need to come in an verify that it’s safe.
It’s also common to run into structural issues midway through the project. After we demo the walls, for example, we may find that there are rotted studs. In order to maintain the integrity of the structure, we’ll need to replace them.
No matter what the issue, our team will work through it. We’ll ensure that your project looks great and is safe, too.
Your Dream Home is Right Around the Corner
We know that planning for a home remodel is a blast. But, it takes a lot of work to make those plans a reality.
It’s important to note that these potential remodel issues should not scare you. All of these problems are fixable. We just want to let you know to expect surprises. We always do our best to mitigate and eliminate surprises during the planning phase.
But, if issues arise, don’t worry. We’ll work through them together and you’ll be living in the house of your dreams in no time.
