Once you’ve decided to renovate your home, it’s important to get a clear idea of the scope of the project. Without an initial inspection, it may not be possible to tell if there are any repairs that are needed before starting. You could begin the project and then run into problems that require backtracking. Delays in any construction project waste time and money, so help the whole experience go smoothly by having an inspection before starting renovations.

Make Sure the Structure is Sound with an Inspection Before Starting Renovations

Issues with framing, roofing, or the foundation can be problematic when renovating. If you start the project and then find out about issues, it can cause complications. You don’t want to start remodeling your kitchen and then find out that the joists under the floor are rotting. If you are adding another level to the house, the foundation and structural beams need to be substantial enough to support the weight.

Demolition Can Pose Health Risks if Unsafe Materials are Present

Older homes may have lead paint on the walls and asbestos in ceiling and floor tiles, insulation, cement, and roof shingles. If left undisturbed, these materials are generally harmless. When renovating, dust from lead paint and asbestos is a health hazard. If your home was built in the 1980s or before, conduct lead and asbestos tests before renovating.

Find Out if You Need to Upgrade Systems with an Inspection Before Starting Renovations

When adding square footage, a bathroom, new appliances, another kitchen, or refinishing an attic or basement, make sure that your current systems can handle the addition. You may need more electrical circuits to power light fixtures, outlets, and electronics. Your HVAC system may not be powerful enough to heat and cool extra square feet. Your inspection before starting renovations will help you determine what steps need to be taken with your current systems.

Set Priorities

You may be thinking of your renovation in terms of what you want rather than what you need. After your home inspection, some pressing repairs may come to light that you didn’t know were necessary. With this new information, you may choose to use part of your remodeling budget to upgrade systems and components in the home.

Maryland Home Inspectors provides home inspection services to Washington DC and Baltimore. Contact us if you are buying a new home.