7 Updates That Must Take Priority During a Home Remodel

Are you considering a home renovation project? Many people dream of updating their house to become their dream home. But sometimes, remodeling can reveal unexpected home repairs you didn’t plan for. Knowing how to prioritize home improvement projects ensures your remodeling efforts add value to your home and maximize your return on investment.

You don’t want to be caught unawares, and you want to protect your investment. If you’re wondering about the task order in remodeling a house, or how to prioritize home improvement projects that arise during a remodel, we have you covered. 

Seven potential issues should take priority if you should find them during your remodel. You may have planned on those fancy new bath fixtures or that gorgeous lighting, but remember that these seven problems can lead to major property damage and health issues.

Most of these issues also need to be disclosed to insurance providers, home inspectors and future buyers. If you skimp on repairs here, you’ll pay for it later. It could be an increase in your insurance or a lower price for your home when it comes time to sell. So, keep these priority renovations in mind as you embark on your remodeling project.

1. Damage to the Foundation: A Priority Renovation You Can’t Ignore

Damage to your home’s foundation can cause problems you might not expect, impacting the order of operations in your home remodeling projects. If you notice doors and windows are not closing properly, they may be misaligned due to the foundation shifting. Tree roots and large shrubs, erosion and extremely wet or dry conditions can also cause problems for the base of your home. Even burrowing animals like moles can damage your foundation by loosening the dirt around the house.

A new foundation can cost $40,000 or more, so fixing problems with the foundation, even if they seem insignificant, will prove to be a big cost-saver in the long run. Cracks and fractures on outside walls or in your basement, sagging floors, buckling walls and moisture or mold could be signs of a larger problem. Don’t ignore your foundation.

1. Termite Damage: A Hidden Threat to Your Home’s Structure

Termites can do major damage to a home, so seek immediate treatment when you notice the smallest sign of infestation, such as wings shed by the insects, tubes through the wood or any other unexplained damage. Attics, crawl spaces and anywhere with substantial woodwork are the most likely spots to find termites.

Unfortunately, termite damage can often go unseen for years as the insects weaken support beams, floor and ceiling joists, posts and studs. Homes of any age are vulnerable, so don’t make the mistake of thinking that a home is too new for termites, or that an older home has survived long enough to be “termite-proof.” Keep your eyes peeled for an indication that you need to address termite damage.

1. Old Wiring: Upgrade for Safety & Efficiency

Homes built during the late 1800s through the 1930s often utilized knob-and-tube wiring, meaning single wires insulated by a rubber or cloth sleeve.

Compared to modern wiring standards, knob-and-tube wiring leaves a lot to be desired. Chief among the problems is the fact that the system doesn’t use a grounding conductor, so three-pronged appliances can’t be used. The wires also dissipate heat into the air, which can cause a fire hazard if the wires are near insulation.

Because knob-and-tube wiring is so old, if you find it during a home renovation project, it has likely been modified over the years, which increases the chances that something will go wrong. The wiring just wasn’t designed for the electrical requirements of modern homes, so running too many appliances can overload the system much more easily than with modern wiring. It’s time to upgrade your home’s wiring. 

1. Mold Remediation: A Must-Do Before Other Home Improvements

Just like termites, mold can do unseen damage to your home for years. Addressing mold early should be a priority when planning home renovations, as it can be a health threat, causing respiratory problems and a host of other health issues. Also, mold can spread into areas requiring kitchen and bathroom repairs, impacting the time and money spent on your home project.

Mold often grows behind walls, drywall and wallpaper, or in spots where water has accumulated over the years. The smell of mold or mildew may be the only sign that something is wrong. If you see mold, take action immediately. Even a small amount of visible mold may be the result of large patches hidden behind walls, in the ceiling or under floors. Look for water stains or discoloration to locate the problem areas.

Running dehumidifiers in the basement or other damp areas can help prevent the formation and spread of mold. If you want to verify the presence of mold, check your local hardware store for mold kits.

1. Leaks and Water Damage: A Potential Source of Future Issues

Leaks aren’t just a problem on their own — they can become a source of mold in your home, as well as many other issues. An old roof, foundation damage, old pipes or even bad drainage in your yard could lead to water damage in your home.

If your roof leaks, the water is likely rotting wood, staining walls and creating ideal mold conditions on its way down. Similarly, leaking pipes may be damaging the nearest walls, floors and ceilings.

Keep an eye on hoses for washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters and refrigerators to make sure you catch any wear or damage early. Make sure areas with water pipes are getting enough warmth or insulate the pipes to prevent them from freezing. And make sure you address any leaks or water damage issues as soon as you can.

1. Roof Repairs: Keep Your Investments Dry 

Roofs can last anywhere from 15 to 40 years, and since they last so long, a new one is expensive. A new roof can run from $6,000 to $50,000 or more, so you want to make sure you take good care of it as it will add value to your home.

Near the end of a roof’s lifespan, it’s more likely to leak. But there are other issues that can damage your roof. In colder climates, ice dams are caused by poorly insulated roofs and can damage the roof by expanding below shingles and into existing cracks. Ice dams can form on old and new roofs, depending on the heat radiating through the roof.

Watch for leaks inside, as well as torn, cracked or missing shingles outside. If a roof is more than 20 years old, it probably needs to be replaced. If the roof is ten to fifteen years old, you might be able to get by with repairs to a section. But don’t wait to fix it if you notice an issue.

1. Asbestos: A Significant Health Concern

As a carcinogen, asbestos is a major health concern. When asbestos ages, it begins to flake and can release asbestos flakes into the air. If you inhale the flakes, it can cause cancerous mesothelioma.

In older homes, asbestos may be used as insulation and can sometimes be found tucked away in attics, hidden behind walls or wrapped around pipes. If you’re tearing out walls and find asbestos insulation, stop work immediately to deal with the hazardous material.

If you suspect there is asbestos in your home, the first step is hiring a certified asbestos professional to test samples. If asbestos is present, a contractor can remove it or encase it. Between inspection and removal, asbestos-related costs can run several thousand dollars.

Prioritize Your Repairs

Everyone hopes for an easy project when remodeling their home, but surprises are bound to come up. What might seem like a straightforward remodel could reveal unexpected expenses lurking in your home. For more information on ways to keep you and your family safe, check out our monthly newsletter. It’s full of helpful tips and facts you can use!