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Inspections to Schedule Before Any Home Renovation

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Most homeowners know that they will need certain inspections done before and after a renovation, in order to get approval for their plans and to ensure that all the work is done up to code. While there may be some legal requirements when it comes to inspections, you may want to go beyond these and plan additional inspections that are not legally required.

These can make your renovation safer and easier on you, whether required by the law or not:

1. Mold and asbestos

Asbestos is a substance that was used for insulating buildings and materials like plumbing pipes, before it was discovered that breathing in its particles could be dangerous and downright deadly. Mold spores can also be unhealthy and dangerous when they become airborne and inhaled.

A building or home should be inspected for both mold and asbestos before renovation begins. One reason for this is that homeowners may not readily recognized either substance. Mold might be mistaken for common dirt, and asbestos might be mistaken for standard insulation.

It's also good to have this inspection done as asbestos may be shaken loose by renovations that are in another area of a home; the vibrations from hammering, sawing, and the like can shake loose the asbestos so that it becomes airborne. An inspector can note if the home has either of these substances and how to ensure that workers and the home's occupants are kept safe.

2. Pest infestation

An inspection for a pest infestation can tell a homeowner if an exterminator should be called before renovation begins, as renovation work can disturb the nests of mice and rats, and they may want to nest elsewhere in the home. An inspector can also note if there is termite damage to the home, and in turn, it may be good to replace damaged wood studs or beams before renovation, so that there is less risk of having them splinter and even collapse.

3. Environmental inspections

If the renovation work involves adding a second story or anything that will increase the weight of the home, an environmental inspection can be in order. This type of inspection can tell you if the soil is too soft to support this added weight. An inspector can also note if there are drainage issues that you may need to address beforehand; if you're adding to one side of a home, this might cause water to collect in that area and put pressure on the home's foundation, or cause it to drain away, resulting in soil erosion.

Contact a company such as Terramyer if you have other questions.


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