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Last Updated on December 8, 2023
Having house renovations done can cause a lot of stress. Clutter from all the building and reconstruction can make you feel annoyed. After your renovations, you may want to breathe a sigh of relief. However, before you start celebrating, you must do a few checks first.
House renovations can increase the value of your property. But if it’s done incorrectly, it may result in costly repairs. So, we’ve provided five things to check after renovations have been completed.
- Check Your Electrical System
Faulty electrical systems can cause fires if there are open wires. Additionally, you may experience flickering lights, frequent fuses, and power surges that can damage appliances.
After renovations, you must check light fittings and test outlets to see if they’re working. Check all the wiring to ensure there are no loose cables. Test your circuit breaker and make sure it’s covered to protect it from the elements.
- Structural Components
Structural components relate to the foundation or the overall build of your home, which includes:
- Your roof
- Windows
- Walls
- Doors
- Flooring
- Fixtures
A loose roof tile can cause structural damage if there’s rain. Loose windows can fall out and shatter and potentially injure someone. Walls can collapse if they’re not installed properly. You must inspect all of these components after renovations to ensure everything is sturdy.
Check that there are no cracks in your walls. Inspect the hinges on doors and windows. Tug lightly on fixtures to ensure they’re secure. Check for cracks or holes in the flooring before you pay your contractors.
- Warranties for New Appliances
When renovating, you may install new appliances in your home, like ovens, dishwashers, and heating and cooling systems. If you’re looking for new items for your home, consider researching the top 10 lists of the best products and services for appliances after renovations.
You may also want to look at getting warranties for new appliances that you buy or have installed so you can save on costs if you need repairs done. Home warranties may also cover you for basic wear and tear on certain appliances.
- Heating and Cooling Systems
Your HV/AC system provides a comfortable home environment if you stay in extremely hot or cold regions. Some people rely on their HV/AC systems to prevent mold growth in their homes in humid conditions or to prevent food from rotting in high-temperature environments.
After renovations, check your vents and make sure they’re clean. Test your system and the temperatures. If you experience any problems, you may need to get a technician to inspect your unit before it breaks further.
- Plumbing System
Plumbing in your home can cause many problems if pipes are not installed in your home correctly. You may experience:
- High or low water pressure
- Clogged pipes
- Leaking pipes
- Mold growth
- Continuously running toilets
Furthermore, you may experience high water bills at the end of the month if your plumbing is faulty. Leaky pipes can also cause structural damage to your property. Check that your water pressure is correct, and make sure there are no rusty or leaking pipes.
What to Do if There Are Problems After Renovations
If you’ve inspected all areas of your property after renovations and you’ve come across some problems, here’s what you should do.
Take Note of All Faults
Take pictures of all the faults you come across after your inspection, as they will serve as proof of what you’ve found. You can also write down what you see on a notepad to explain what the faults are.
Review Your Contract
Re-read the contract you signed when you hired the contractors to work on your home. The document will help you understand your rights and obligations you have. Pay attention to all the warranties or guarantees on the document and see if the contractor can do repairs at no additional cost.
Contact the Contractor
After documenting what you’ve found with pictures and notes, it’s time to contact the company that did your home renovations. Ask them if you can email the pictures and the notes through and voice your concerns. You may need to have a meeting with your contractor.
Keep a Record of Communication
It’s advised that you keep a record of all the communications you have with your contractor. Avoid talking over the phone so you can have written evidence via email. You may need the evidence if you need to seek legal assistance.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve hired a legitimate contractor with excellent reviews, you may not experience any faults after renovations. Speak to your contractor to find out what they offer if there are problems after the job is done, and read your contract thoroughly to understand your rights.
