As you embark on this adventure, it's crucial to be armed with knowledge about the unique issues that come with renovating houses that have stood the test of time.
We are about to go over a variety of issues that come with older homes in Hamilton. If your house has seen its fair share of wear and tear, 50+ years of misguided DIY efforts, or issues that have gone unresolved for decades, a professional contractor may help you prioritize the chores and keep you focused on the aim of preserving the character of your home.
In this guide, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of revitalizing Hamilton's older homes, exploring the hidden challenges, costs, and considerations that might just be lurking beneath the surface.
1. Plumbing, Waterproofing, and Drainage Problems
Building science is an ever-expanding area, with advancements made every year. As a result, any underfloor or perimeter drainage system designed prior to 1975 would be insufficient to meet current building code criteria. Musty odours in the basement, wet spots on the ceiling, or mould forming anywhere are all symptoms of water or moisture damage.
2. Issues with Galvanized Pipes
Galvanized pipes were commonly utilized for plumbing in homes built before the 1960s. Galvanized piping corrodes and rusts, resulting in uneven and/or insufficient water flow. We recommend replacing all of the pipes in your older home with PEX (cross-linked polyethene) or copper to avoid corrosion, rust, and leaks; you'll sleep better at night knowing it was money well spent.
3. Connection to the Sewer
You are also in charge of the sewer connection that connects your house in Hamilton to the city sewer line at the front property line. Sewer pipes in older residences may be built of clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg. Clay pipes are an open invitation to root infiltration and are easily crushed; cast-iron pipes corrode; and Orangeburg pipes are made of wood fibre and pitch, which can both decay and be crushed.
Have a qualified plumber inspect your pipes using a sophisticated camera that can assess the whole length of the line. If the pipes are damaged, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) pipework should be installed. The City of Toronto is providing reimbursements to households that upgrade their sewage systems and install backflow prevention devices. It will considerably lower the likelihood of basement flooding caused by the sewage system.
4. Foundation & Structural Issues
If the floor is uneven to the point where you can see and feel it while walking around the house, a full home inspection is required to determine the degree of the problem. Uneven floors could indicate a basic or structural issue. If it's foundational, it signifies the foundation has lost its integrity and is no longer supporting the house adequately. If the problem is structural, it could be a problem with the house's support beams. In any case, this is a serious matter that must be addressed as quickly as feasible.
We recommend that you have your foundation inspected by a certified structural engineer. Hairline cracks in concrete are not usually a severe structural problem, but they can contribute to a moisture problem, which can lead to mould, which can cause health problems for your family. The cost of repairing a foundation is frequently too expensive. Once rebuilt and brought up to standards, your foundation should be worry-free for future generations. Any reputable contractor will ensure that the foundation restoration includes proper waterproofing and drainage.
5. Electrical Upgrades
Over the last 60 years, we've seen significant changes in how we utilize our houses. We still have refrigerators, but we've also added Hi-Def big-screen TVs, laundry dryers, air conditioners, heat pumps, and home offices. These contemporary conveniences and lifestyle changes have influenced how much power is used in our houses. Most renovators will provide homeowners with an improved electrical panel and boost the amperage to 150 - 200 amps, which is essential to meet the demand. Some appliances, such as dryers and refrigerators, require their own circuit breaker.
Electrical outlets are generally few in century homes. When installing outlets, renovators are more sensitive to the needs of their clients, with an emphasis on handy places. Speak with your electrician about adding outlets with USB connections to make charging electronic devices easier. A trained electrician will ensure that all outlets meet the Ontario Electrical Code regulations, including AFCI (arc-fault circuit interrupter) and GFI (ground-fault interrupter), reducing the risk of an electrical shock or fire.
6. Roofing Issues
Water intrusion is the natural death of a house, thus the structural integrity of a roof is vital to the health of both old and new constructions.
Water spots on the ceiling are evident evidence of water infiltration from the inside of the property, but they are not always symptomatic of roof concerns. These stains can also be caused by plumbing and window leaks.
Watermarks on exterior walls can be an indication of roof flashing difficulties, and a fast inspection of the roof shingles or tiles can uncover common concerns such as loose flashing, cracked shingles, cupping, and missing tiles. A brief inspection of the attic insulation for signs of moisture, as well as a search for daylight under the roof boards, is also recommended. When you are looking for houses for sale in Hamilton, we strongly recommend getting a home inspection done for whatever property you are finalizing to buy.
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