NPB Abatement LLC on What Every Homeowner Needs to Know Before Renovating an Older Home.
There’s something great about older homes — the charm, the workmanship, the history. But if you’re preparing to restore, there’s one thing you need to consider before you begin swinging that sledgehammer: what’s in the walls.
Older buildings typically contain unknown hazards like lead paint, asbestos, and mold — substances long used but whose health dangers only recently have come to be well understood. In NPB ABATEMENT LLC we’ve seen firsthand how these issues can derail projects and put families at risk if not handled properly.
If your home was built before 1980, here’s what you should know before you start.
1. Asbestos Is Still Out There — And Still Dangerous.
Many homes built prior to the 1980s contain asbestos in materials like insulation, tile, ceilings, and even siding. While undisturbed asbestos is relatively harmless, renovation work will most likely release harmful fibers into the air — and once loose, asbestos becomes a serious respiratory hazard.
Fast Fact: If you’re not sure whether a material contains asbestos, don’t try to remove it or move it yourself. A certified abatement team like NPB Abatement LLC can safely test it and recommend next steps.
2. Mold Can Be Silent — But Not Innocent.
Mold will grow behind drywall, beneath floors, or in HVAC systems following water damage. It doesn’t always show itself until you’ve opened up a wall — and by then It could have spread already.
Even small mold growth can cause health issues like allergies, asthma, and headaches — particularly in kids, the elderly, or individuals with respiratory issues.
Quick Tip: A continuous musty odor or worsening allergy symptoms in the home may indicate it’s time for professional inspection.
3. Lead Paint Still Exists in Millions of Homes.
Lead-based paint was common until it was banned in 1978. It can still be found on trim in older homes. it and it When paint chipped or powdered to dust — especially on sanding or demolition — it is a serious health hazard.
They are particularly susceptible, with exposure linked to developmental delays and behavioral difficulties.
Tip: Before sanding or scraping painted surfaces, test them first. If lead is present, it’s advisable to let licensed professionals do the removal.
4. Demolition Isn’t Breaking Things — It’s a Safety Operation.
At NPB Abatement LLC, we also offer demolition services — and that’s not necessarily about knocking things apart. In older homes, demolition safely involves knowing what’s behind the walls before they’re torn down.
A quality demolitions team doesn’t just swing hammers. They assess risk, keep hazardous materials contained, and make the site safe for everyone from your family to the construction crews.
5.Final Thought: Don’t Just Remodel — Remodel Wisely.
Fixing up an old house can be very fulfilling. But cutting corners on inspections or attempting to fix hazardous material Removal can easily make your dream project turn into a nightmare.
Before you start tearing things out, get your house checked out by a qualified abatement professional. We at NPB Abatement LLC are here to help homeowners, landlords, and contractors get ahead safely and confidently — room by room.”.
