evaluate your home's condition
Identify critical
repairs
and upgrades before
renovating
Before undertaking a renovation project, check out the condition of your home. Why? Because you don’t want to spend money putting a whirlpool tub in the master bath, for example, only to find that your ancient hot-water heater doesn’t hold enough hot water to fill it.
There are two things to consider: 1) the health, well being, and age of your furnace, central air conditioner, and hot water heater, and 2) the state of your house’s structure. Look for cracks in the foundation, which mean the house is settling (shifting or sinking in the earth). Make sure gutters aren't leaking and that downspouts (vertical pipes) are directing water away from the foundation. Check the condition of your roof and look for evidence of water damage in the attic. While you're at it, check ceilings and walls for discoloration caused by a leaking pipe. Also look for sags in walls or floors that signify structural damage.
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Asbestos
alert
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If your home was constructed or remodeled between 1920 and 1978, it could contain asbestos, a fibrous material used in everything from heating system ducts and insulation to resilient flooring and ceiling tiles. If you or your contractor discover asbestos, a certified asbestos technician will need to either remove or encapsulate it (favored in many situations because removal spreads the fibers even more).
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If you don't feel up to doing the job yourself, hire a qualified inspector to complete an inspector’s report: a detailed checklist of the house’s structural condition and major systems. The American Society of Home Inspectors (www.ashi.org) maintains a searchable database of certified members who have conducted at least 250 individual inspections. The National Academy of Building Inspection Engineers also offers a member directory at www.nabie.org. Depending on the nature of the problem, you'll want to repair it before or during a renovation. There's no better time than when a wall is open to upgrade or replace insulation, plumbing and electrical wiring, and conversely, there's nothing worse than tearing down a freshly painted wall to do a repair job. Also consider upgrading systems while you are renovating. Think about it: The walls are being ripped out or opened up anyway, so now is the time to upgrade your wiring or install better plumbing or state-of-the-art cable. |
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Insulation Your HVAC works hand in hand with insulation and weatherization. If walls feel cold, you'll want to check the quality of your insulation. Insulation is measured in terms of R-values—the higher the value, the better the insulation. Check for drafts, especially around windows, and eliminate by using caulk, weather stripping or
Electrical Check to see that you have enough grounded outlets (outlets that accept a third prong) and ground fault interrupter (GFI) devices in bathrooms and kitchens. An electrician can decide whether you'll need additional dedicated circuits, or separate lines, with separate breakers to handle a power-hungry appliance like a hot water heater or refrigerator. Think about your wiring needs both now and for the future. You may want to wire for phone, cable TV, an intercom or security system (see page 110). Plumbing Consider the types and condition of your pipes. Are they old and prone to breaking? Are there any leaks? Are the pipes in the main supply line 3/4-inch to 1-inch thick for optimum flow and water pressure? Do you want to install the latest pipes? Are you adding or relocating a bathroom or kitchen that will require a new stack line (a main line for water, waste and venting)?
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