An old home renovation can be a very exciting project to take on. However, while rewarding, renovating a house that hasn’t been updated in years can also be stressful. If you are not prepared for all the problems you may encounter with a project like this, it could end up blowing your budget. One problem you may find with an old house renovation is asbestos.
Asbestos was used in construction years ago due to its ability to provide extra strength to materials, and its effective heat insulation and fire resistance. So, why is asbestos bad? With time, more was discovered about asbestos and its negative health effects. It is a mineral fiber with extremely small fibers that are easily released into the air. If these fibers are inhaled, they will stick to the lungs and remain there for a long time. It is particularly dangerous if someone is exposed to it over a long period of time and can cause serious ailments like Asbestosis and cancer.
If the house you are renovating was built in the 1970s or earlier and has not been extensively renovated since then, the chances are you will encounter asbestos. You will need to pay particular attention during the demolition phase of your reno as tearing up floors and walls, etc. can release asbestos fibers, creating a very unsafe work environment. If you do find asbestos, it will need to be disposed of in the correct way by someone qualified to remove it.
Before beginning an older home renovation, it is a good idea to have the home thoroughly inspected. The home inspector can then advise you about asbestos being present in the home as well as any other issues that you will need to budget for.