Don't Start Renovations Until You Have Completed These Tasks
If you are planning on completing some renovations in your home, there are a few actions to take first. These cover all your bases, from making sure the renovations are approved by the city to keeping your safety and security in mind. Make sure you don't rush through renovations and forget these very important preparations.
Inquire About Building Permits
One of the first things you should always do when you are going to complete home renovations is find out if you need any type of permit. Some renovations are minor and therefore don't need a permit, while others do. This depends on your city ordinances, so it is a good idea to consult the building permit office either way. If you are using a contractor for the renovations, they can help you figure out what permits you need, but if not, this is something you need to determine on your own. Things like tearing down a wall, adding a floor or room, or doing major plumbing work often require permits.
Test the Property For Asbestos
If you are completing renovations on an older home and it hasn't yet been tested for asbestos, now is the time to do it. Asbestos is highly dangerous substance that can lead to various types of serious diseases and cancer. It was often used in older homes and businesses due to being durable and fire-resistant, but it has since been proven to be dangerous. You need to have your home tested for asbestos, then have it removed if any traces are found. Don't do any type of remodeling before you get the asbestos removed.
Check For Plumbing and Wiring in the Walls
When you intend to complete renovations by tearing down a wall to open up two smaller rooms in your home, you must first check what wiring or plumbing systems might be behind those walls. Don't do what you see in movies and just swing your sledgehammer to take the wall down. If you hit electrical wiring, it could do major damage and require a visit from your electrician to completely re-wire your home. The same can be said for damage to plumbing pipes that might be in the wall. Go slow and know what is behind that wall before you do anything.
Figure Out How to Dispose of the Waste
After you start working on your home renovations, you will end up with a lot of waste. This might be carpeting or flooring tiles, windows or doors you are replacing, drywall, wallpaper, or various types of wood and metal. Much of this waste can be recycled, but some of it is going to be dumped. Find out now how you will dispose of it, whether you rent a skip bin, haul it away yourself, or hire a hauling company to pick it up for you.
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