Many Minnesota residents like the idea of purchasing old homes in order to renovate them, either for resale or as a personal residence. In fact, many savvy entrepreneurs have earned substantial profits by buying old houses, fixing them up, then selling them for a higher price than what they initially paid. It might sound like a great income opportunity; however, there are numerous potential dangers associated with renovating older homes, including asbestos exposure.
One of the greatest dangers in home renovations, especially when the house in question is more than 10 or 15 years old. The wiring in such homes can place people at risk for serious injuries, especially if someone who is not a certified electrician tries to do electrical work. Unstable wiring is also a tremendous fire hazard.
In addition to potential injuries from faulty wiring, there is a risk of asbestos exposure, particularly in homes built before 1980. There is no safe amount of exposure to asbestos and no known cure for mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases. When walls, ceilings, flooring or cabinetry are scraped, hammered or otherwise disturbed, the risks of asbestos go sky high.
This is one of many reasons there are stringent regulations in Minnesota and throughout the country regarding asbestos abatement. Only certified contractors should remove asbestos from a premises. Sadly, many construction workers, homeowners and others contract terminal illnesses from asbestos exposure, both on the job and in private home renovations. Such situations often prompt litigation, especially when an employer, landlord or other party’s negligence was a causal factor in a person’s asbestos-related injuries.
