WITH SPRING AND SUMMER WEATHER dawning all across North America, it’s likely the time that many of us will be opening our windows wide and doing painting, scraping and other do-it-yourself renovations big or small. While this site focuses on design and aesthetics, not DIY or fix-it, I do want to take this opportunity to remind everyone about the importance of consulting with professionals and knowing what you are working with when it comes to the materials and surfaces in your vintage home.
A good resource: The EPA has websites on both lead in the home (outside, inside and don’t forget painted steel or wood cabinets and furniture, either)… and on asbestos in the home (ditto, there are a variety of places this may be found.)
Take care, retro renovators!
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When we decided to proceed with the renovation of our 1949 basement, there were so many types of tiles (ie: at least 6 different tiles used, about 9″ x 9″) that we deemed the tiles asbestos and hired a professional to remove them, vent the house and conduct air testing. We decided the extra precautions were likely necessary because at least one of the tiles was likely asbestos. The cost to test each different tile for asbestos and the delay time made it worthwhile to just deem them asbestos and proceed with the reno.