The Hidden Dangers of a Fixer-upper Home
The appeal of a fixer-upper is very strong among a lot of aspiring homeowners thanks to television shows, glossy magazines and social media feeds showcasing dramatic home transformations. The narrative is always the same: With a bit of hard work and some clever design hacks, you’ll end up with a dream home worth far more than what you paid for it. However, there are several issues that can come with choosing a fixer-upper. Your new project can quickly turn into a nightmare, trapping you in a cycle of debt, stress and endless repairs.
Structural and Foundation Problems
The first and most significant trap lies in the very bones of the home. What you see at a property viewing is often just the surface. You may notice a bit of peeling wallpaper, some tired carpet and a dated kitchen. What you can’t easily see are the structural issues that can take up your entire renovation budget.
A classic problem is subsidence. This happens when the ground underneath the house sinks, causing the building’s foundations to shift and settle. The tell-tale signs are often subtle at first: hairline cracks in the plaster or doors and windows that stick. Over time, these can develop into large, diagonal cracks that run through brickwork and render, indicating a serious problem. Repairing subsidence requires a structural engineer and often involves underpinning the foundations with concrete. This process is both hugely disruptive and very expensive.
Another silent killer is rot. This includes both wet rot and the more aggressive dry rot. Wet rot is caused by long-term dampness and can often be found in wood baseboards, floor joists or roof timbers. It can be a big pain to fix but generally manageable. Dry rot, however, is much more difficult. This type of rot thrives in poorly ventilated, damp conditions and can rapidly spread through a home, destroying timber in its path. It leaves behind a characteristic, brittle, brown cube-like decay and can even travel through brickwork. Treating dry rot is a specialist job that requires a complete strip-out of affected timbers, often far beyond what is initially visible, and it can cost a small fortune.
Plumbing and Electrical Nightmares
Older homes often have plumbing and electrical systems that are well past their prime and, in some cases, can be actively dangerous.
Old lead pipes are a common feature in many older homes. Although they are not an immediate health risk if the water is flowing, they can result in lead going into the drinking water. This can pose a serious health hazard over time and can be particularly problematic especially when it comes to children and pregnant women. Replacing lead pipes is a rather big job and often requires digging up floors and gardens to connect to the mains. Similarly, old, galvanized steel pipes can become clogged with rust and mineral deposits over time, leading to poor water pressure and a higher risk of bursts.
The electrical system is an even bigger concern. Older wiring systems are a significant fire risk as they can become brittle and crack, exposing bare wires. Modern electrical regulations are far stricter, and a full rewire is often necessary to meet safety standards and to accommodate the power demands of a modern family with multiple appliances and gadgets. A full rewire involves getting into the walls and lifting floorboards. The project you thought would take a few months can suddenly double in length and cost.
Asbestos and Lead Paint
Before the dangers were widely known, asbestos and lead were common building materials and they are still found in a number of old homes.
Asbestos was used for its fire-retardant and insulating properties. It can be found in everything from ceilings and floor tiles to insulation around boilers and pipes. As long as it is undisturbed, it’s generally safe. But the moment you start drilling, sawing or sanding, you can release the microscopic fibres into the air. They can then be inhaled and cause serious, life-threatening diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma. A simple plan to scrape off an old ceiling can turn into a complex, expensive and time-consuming job that requires a licensed asbestos removal specialist.
Similarly, lead paint was widely used for its durability and vibrant colours. It’s often found on old doors, windows and baseboards, and can be hidden under layers of newer paint. While the paint itself is fine if you leave it alone, any sanding, scraping or chipping can release toxic lead dust. This dust can be ingested and can pose a serious health risk. Removing lead paint safely requires specialist techniques and a good level of protective equipment. You can’t just sand it all off in a cloud of dust.
Hidden Costs
As well as the larger jobs, there are also some smaller hidden costs. Old properties are well-known for being inefficient. Single-glazed windows, solid walls with no insulation and antiquated heating systems can all lead to very high energy bills. Upgrading to double glazing, insulating walls and installing a modern, efficient boiler can add tens of thousands to your budget.
As you’re going along, you could find even more issues. You lift the floorboards to do a wiring job and discover the joists are rotten. You then have to replace them. The simple act of fixing one problem uncovers another and the scope of work begins to spiral out of control.
Thomas Goodman has worked as a property and construction expert for MyJobQuote for six years, and in the construction industry for more than 20 years. He continues to work on building projects while providing expert construction and property advice to industry professionals and do-it-yourself enthusiasts.
Clare Tattersall and www.realtorontowest.com disclaim any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or currency of the contents of this article and disclaims all liability in respect to the results of any action taken or not taken in reliance upon information in this article. The opinions of the writer are their own and are in no way influenced by or representative of the opinions of Clare Tattersall or www.realtorontowest.com.
