What’s Hiding Behind Your Walls? Common Surprises in Home Renovations

Thinking About Renovating? Here’s What You Might Find Behind Your Walls.

Renovations are exciting—you’re transforming your space, modernizing your home, and making it truly yours. But sometimes, what’s hiding behind your walls can turn a dream reno into a stressful surprise.

At MTL Contractors, we’ve seen it all—from outdated wiring that’s a fire hazard to structural issues that were covered up decades ago. That’s why we expect the unexpected and make sure our clients are prepared. Here’s a look at some of the most common surprises in home renovations—and what to do about them.

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1. Knob-and-Tube or Aluminum Wiring

If your home was built before the 1950s, there’s a good chance it still has knob-and-tube wiring—or if it was built in the 1970s, you might have aluminum wiring. Both are outdated, and in some cases, even dangerous.

Why It’s a Problem:

• Knob-and-tube wiring lacks grounding, increasing the risk of electrical shocks and fire.

• Aluminum wiring expands and contracts, causing loose connections and overheating.

• Many insurance companies won’t cover homes with outdated wiring.

How We Fix It:

✅ Full electrical rewiring with modern, grounded copper wiring ✅ Updating outlets, switches, and breaker panels to meet modern safety codes ✅ Working with licensed electricians to ensure compliance

2. Asbestos in Plaster, Insulation, or Flooring

Asbestos was widely used in construction materials until the late 1980s. It’s completely harmless when left undisturbed, but if renovations disturb it, the airborne fibers can pose serious health risks.

Where It’s Commonly Found:

✔ Plaster walls and ceilings

✔ Vinyl flooring and tiles

✔ Insulation around pipes and ductwork

How We Handle It:

✅ Asbestos testing before demolition

✅ Professional abatement and safe removal to prevent exposure

✅ Working with certified environmental specialists

3. Mold & Moisture Damage

Water damage isn’t always obvious until you start tearing down walls. Mold can be hiding in:

• Bathrooms with poor ventilation

• Basements with past leaks

• Behind improperly installed drywall

Signs of Hidden Moisture Issues:

✔ Musty smell

✔ Peeling paint or bubbling drywall

✔ Dark stains or discoloration

How We Fix It:

✅ Identifying and eliminating the moisture source (leaky pipes, poor drainage, etc.) ✅ Removing affected materials and applying mold-resistant coatings ✅ Upgrading ventilation & waterproofing basements

4. Structural Issues: Rotted Beams, Improper Framing, or DIY Disasters

Sometimes, the biggest surprises come from previous renovations that weren’t done properly. We’ve uncovered:

• Load-bearing walls removed without proper beams

• Substandard framing or sagging floors

• Rotted beams from years of moisture damage

How We Fix It:

✅ Engineering-approved solutions for structural modifications

✅ Replacing damaged beams and reinforcing weak framing

✅ Ensuring all work meets current building codes

How Much Do These Unexpected Repairs Cost?

💰 Cost Breakdown

💰 Minor Repairs ($2K - $5K)

• Small electrical fixes

• Localized mold removal & minor waterproofing

• Fixing minor framing issues

💰 Moderate Repairs ($5K - $10K)

• Rewiring an outdated electrical system

• Replacing rotted beams or improperly removed walls

• Large-scale mold or moisture remediation

💰 Major Structural & Hazard Remediation ($10K - $50K+)

• Full electrical & plumbing replacement

• Structural reinforcements & major framing corrections

• Professional asbestos abatement

At MTL Contractors, we believe in transparency and realistic expectations. If we uncover unexpected issues during your renovation, we discuss solutions and pricing before proceeding.

Why Work With MTL Contractors?

Your home isn’t just another project—it’s where life happens. That’s why we don’t do cookie-cutter renovations. Every space we design and build is tailored to fit your needs, style, and long-term goals.

Here’s what makes us different:

✅ Custom, High-End Design – We prioritize craftsmanship and quality over mass-produced, one-size-fits-all solutions.

✅ Licensed, Bonded & Insured – No cutting corners. No surprises. Just expert work, done right.

✅ Honest Pricing & No BS – We give you real numbers upfront, so you know what to expect.

✅ A Team You Can Trust – We handle everything from design to execution, so you’re never stuck managing multiple contractors on your own.

If you’re ready to start your renovation with a team that’s ready for anything, let’s talk. Book a consultation with MTL Contractors today, and let’s transform your home.

🚀 Don’t forget! Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more expert renovation tips!

What’s Hiding Behind Your Walls? Common Surprises in Home Renovations