Order a Home Inspection Before Starting Renovations
Renovating your home is a rewarding experience, but it is important to understand what you are getting into. It’s best to order a home inspection before starting renovations for the following reasons.
Structural Issues May Increase the Scope of the Project
Before constructing a significant addition to any home, you need to make sure that the basic structural components are sound. This includes the foundation, framing, and roof. If there is an issue with any of these areas, it should be repaired before starting any renovations. When working with a budget, this changes the scope of the project and you may have to adjust some of your choices to manage costs.
Find Out About Unsafe Building Materials
If your home was built in the 1980s or before, there may be unhealthy building materials to consider when you renovate, like lead paint and asbestos. Have your home tested for these hazards before starting any demo. Aluminum electrical wiring and polybutylene plumbing piping can also cause safety issues because they have proven to be less durable and more problematic.
Prioritize Repairs with a Home Inspection Before Starting Renovations
After you’ve had a home inspection, you’ll receive a detailed report on the condition of the various systems and components of the house. You may learn of issues that could compromise your remodeling plans and need to be addressed. Finding out about problems ahead of your renovation can save you a lot of money and time in the long run.
When you discover problems mid-renovation rather than before the project starts, you may end up having to backtrack on your work, which is both costly and inconvenient. Also, you can use the inspection report to help plan your renovation. It can help you to prioritize upgrades based on the condition of appliances and other existing components.
Find Out if Any Systems Need to Be Upgraded to Support the Addition
If you are adding square footage to your home, you’ll want to make sure that the electrical system, HVAC, plumbing system, and septic tank can handle the additional rooms. You’ll be adding more outlets, light fixtures, and possibly appliances. The current power panel may need to be upgraded to provide more amperage to the home.
Reveal360 provides home inspection services to Northern Colorado. Schedule an inspection here.