Are you planning a home renovation? Will you be knocking down walls, taking down drywall, or ripping up flooring? If so, you likely have a lot of work and a bit of chaos in your future. While your focus is likely on the outcome of your renovation, you may also want to take this opportunity to perform some tests on your home.
Renovations offer a great chance to do some inspections that would otherwise be inconvenient. However, since you may already have a wall or floor open, performing some of the tests below may not add any more complication to your project:
Termite inspection. Termites can be very destructive to a home's frame and structural integrity. They hate the sunlight, which means they spend most of their time burrowing underground or behind your walls, eating your wooden frame. They can also slip into your frame through the tiniest of holes, so it's possible for you to get termites in your home even if you can't see an obvious entry point.
A termite company can test for termites if they have an opening through your drywall. Again, you may already have a good testing location if you've removed drywall for the renovation. Or it may not be inconvenient to open up a space if your contractor can quickly repair it during the renovation work. This is a good opportunity for you to determine whether termites are present and, if so, to get rid of them before they cause too much destruction.
Mold inspection. Mold is a common element in most homes. It's often caused by the accumulation of moisture and humidity in areas that lack sufficient ventilation. That makes space behind your walls, under your flooring, and even above your ceiling perfect for mold growth. Most types of mold aren't dangerous in small amounts. However, when the mold becomes sizable, it can cause health problems, lead to an unpleasant smell, and even damage your personal products.
If you rip up flooring, walls, or ceiling tiles, you may be able to see or smell mold's presence. You may also start to experience symptoms like itching and dry eyes. If so, you may want to take this opportunity to have a mold assessment. A qualified expert can use the floor or wall openings to scrape for mold. If it's present, they can fix the issue before you finish renovation.
Asbestos inspection. In the past, asbestos was commonly used as a fire retardant. It can often be found in insulation and around piping and ductwork. If asbestos fibers get into the air, they can cause serious lung diseases. The presence of asbestos isn't necessarily dangerous. However, if your renovation work disrupts the asbestos, that could cause the fibers to enter the air stream.
You may want to have an asbestos inspection before you begin your renovation work. The inspector can determine if asbestos is present and, if so, if it's likely to be disrupted by your renovation work. If it is, the inspector can recommend ways to safely remove or manage the asbestos.
For more information, contact an asbestos inspector in your area. They can help you determine whether an asbestos inspection is right for you. To learn more, contact a company like Argus Pacific Inc. with any questions you have.
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