Are you one of the homeowners who likes to spend weekends tackling home improvement projects independently?
Whether to save money, do the job the way they want, or maintain some independence and control, many people love rolling up their sleeves to take on home renovation projects that can boost the valuation of their residences and the functionality of their indoor and outdoor spaces.
According to Mordor Intelligence, the DIY home improvement market is worth an estimated $890 billion this year. And it’s on pace to get to $1.43 trillion — yes, that’s trillion with a “t” — by 2029. That’s a compound annual growth rate of 9.94% over the forecast period.
While it can be rewarding to do home improvement projects independently, you need to evaluate each project to ensure you’re not biting off more than you can chew.
One of the risks associated with some home improvement projects, especially if you have an older house, is asbestos. While asbestos was a favorite material for products because of its fire-resistance and durability benefits, it’s also a cancer-causing substance.
You don’t want to get asbestos fibers into your lungs since it can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other health complications that can shorten your life span considerably.
Here are three home renovation projects that could increase your risks of asbestos exposure.
1. Insulation in Attics or Behind Walls
If you reside in a region that gets cold winters or hot summers, the right amount of insulation can help. You can keep your home warmer when it’s cold and cooler when it’s hot. Going this route can save a ton of money by reducing how often you use an HVAC unit. But if your home is older, you should be careful since insulation in a home built decades ago might contain asbestos.
Asbestos was banned in 1989 in the U.S. If your home is older than that, there’s an asbestos risk. The thing with asbestos is that it doesn’t present a major problem if it’s left as is. But when ripping out the old insulation to replace it, the asbestos fibers can become airborne. If these asbestos fibers are breathed in, the potential for severe health problems down the road is real.
2. Replacing the Siding
Quality vinyl siding can last decades. Of course, it depends on factors such as maintenance, upkeep, climate, and build quality. If it’s time to replace your old siding and install something new, you’ll want to exercise caution. New siding can give your home an immediate face-lift and transform your home’s exterior for the better. But if the old siding was installed before the ban on products containing asbestos, you run the risk of asbestos exposure. Removing siding that contains asbestos will all but certainly release some asbestos fibers.
Rather than run the risk of asbestos exposure, you should either get the siding tested to see if it has asbestos or hire a siding contractor to do the job properly and safely.
3. Remodeling the Kitchen
Another project that can expose you to asbestos is a kitchen remodel. There’s a good possibility your kitchen has products with asbestos if your home was constructed in the 80s or earlier. Floor tiles, ceiling tiles, pipes, and other things can contain asbestos. You don’t want to expose yourself or your family to asbestos fibers that can compromise their health.
A DIY project can save you money. But if you encounter more than you bargained for and get sick, the money saved won’t seem like such a big deal. It’s worth hiring a service provider to test your home for asbestos. Depending on what the results are, you can choose whether to do the work independently or hire a contractor.
It can be rewarding to take on a DIY home improvement project. But proceed with caution if there’s a possibility that asbestos materials are in your home.
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