Building Inspection: Three Critical Issues to Address before Your Renovation

If you are planning on renovating your house, you should think about commissioning a building inspection before commencing the project. Often, homeowners conduct building repairs and improvements without understanding the state of their structures. As a result, underlying problems are not resolved, and the building is not correctly restored for optimal durability, safety and performance. Here are the critical issues that you should have your building inspector check and address prior to the renovation work.

Hazardous Materials

You should determine whether there are hazardous materials in your home before beginning your renovations. It is not uncommon for old homes to have construction elements which can pose significant health risks. However, if these materials are stable, they will not cause harm. Therefore, you should have your building inspector examine your residential structure for potentially harmful features. The information will help you avoid unnecessary complications during renovations.

You should be particularly keen on the presence of asbestos. Asbestos is a natural mineral which was used in building houses in the past. Though it was banned due to its adverse health effects, there are still numerous homes containing the material. Usually, the material is stable and harmless when bonded to building materials. However, if you disturb the mineral during renovations, harmful fibres will be released. You should have your building assessed for asbestos before taking action for your safety.

Structural Defects

You should not plan for only superficial improvements in your home during your renovations project. You should aim to conduct structural repairs which could prevent the premature failure of your building. In simple terms, you should have your building inspector check for defects in your home. For example, foundation problems will compromise the safety and stability of the building. However, if the structural issues are discovered early, you can reinforce the foundation. This process will preserve the integrity of your home and prevent the decline of property value. You should also plan for the examination of exterior and interior walls, the flooring and the roofing system.

Pest Infestation

Finally, it is important to have your home inspected for pests. The primary concern during the inspection should be the presence of termites. Termites are small insects, but they live in colonies. These insects feed on wooden materials, including the timber used in building houses. If they invade your home, they can consume critical lumber elements. As a result, the structural integrity of your property will be compromised. If you discover pests during your building inspection, you can eliminate the creatures and resolve the damage.

Contact a company that offers building inspection services for more information.