The Renovation Step You Can’t Afford to Miss
With home prices at record highs, more homeowners are choosing to renovate instead of move. And summer is prime time to start. In fact, 63% of U.S. homeowners planned renovations in 2023, with the Northeast seeing the highest activity between May and September, according to the U.S. Houzz & Home Study.
But before you tear down walls or refresh that kitchen, there’s one step you can’t afford to skip: environmental testing. Renovations often uncover hidden hazards—like asbestos, mold, and lead paint—that can threaten your family’s health and cost you thousands to remediate.
Even minor updates—like installing a ceiling fan or repainting a wall—can disturb toxic materials like lead, mold, or asbestos. These hazards aren’t just outdated—they’re dangerous. Here are the top hidden risks you need to test for before getting started:
- Asbestos: The Silent Risk in Older Homes
If your home was built before 1980, you may be surrounded by materials containing asbestos—commonly found in:
- Floor and ceiling tiles
- Insulation
- Wallboard and joint compounds
- Pipe coverings
- Roofing and fireproofing materials.
When disturbed, asbestos fibers become airborne and can cause fatal diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Even a few hours of exposure can lead to long-term illness decades later.
Action Step: Schedule an asbestos survey before you renovate. It’s a simple test that could protect your family from serious harm.
- Mold: Hidden and Harmful
Bathrooms, basements, and kitchens are mold hotspots—especially after water leaks or plumbing issues. But here’s the catch: mold spreads fast and can contaminate your entire home through your HVAC system.
Mold exposure can lead to serious health problems, including asthma, fatigue, and chronic sinus infections.
Action Step: If you smell musty odors or suspect past water damage, get a professional mold test. Remediation is much easier (and cheaper) when done early.
- Lead Paint: Still Lurking in Pre-1978 Homes
Lead paint isn’t just on the surface—it may be buried under layers. And once disturbed, even microscopic dust particles can poison your air.
Children and pregnant women are most at risk. Lead exposure is linked to developmental delays, lower IQ, ADHD, and lifelong health issues.
Action Step: Test for lead before sanding, scraping, or painting. Certified inspectors use XRF (X-ray Fluorescence) and other tools to detect hidden lead in walls and trim.
DIY Tip: If lead is found, follow the EPA’s Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Program guidelines to contain and clean up safely.
Quick Wins, Big Risks: Even “Small” Projects Can Be Hazardous
A fresh coat of paint? Installing new tile? Replacing that outdated boiler? All of these common summer projects can release toxins—unless you know what’s behind your walls. According to Robert Weitz, founder of RTK Environmental Group, “Even something as simple as upgrading a bathroom sink can turn into an environmental disaster.”
Make Testing Your First Step
Before picking out paint colors or scheduling demolition day, take this smart steps:
- Book an environmental inspection to test for asbestos, mold, and lead.
- Contain the work area and follow EPA safety practices if hazards are found.
- Clean thoroughly—and consider retesting after the job is complete.
Don’t Let a Renovation Jeopardize Your Health
Environmental hazards are invisible but dangerous. Renovating without testing first can cost you more than money—it can cost you your health.
Start smart. Test first. Then renovate. That’s how to build a safer, healthier home this summer.
