The Rat-tastrophe: Our Journey to Rebuild
When we first saw what we were working with, a 1950s bungalow, nestled in the heart of a charming neighborhood. At Integrity Home Repair, we pride ourselves on turning dreams into reality, but sometimes the path to those dreams takes unexpected turns. Our latest project is a testament to our commitment to excellence, even when faced with the most challenging obstacles. Here's the story of how we had to tear down a house to its previous standing post due to a severe rodent infestation, and how we are now working on fixing the outside landscaping and adding a new bathroom to the top floor, all while tackling the persistent rodent problem.
The Discovery
It started innocuously enough. A few scattered droppings in the attic, the occasional rustling in the walls. Desperate, we resorted to more drastic measures. At Integrity Home Repair, we often receive calls from homeowners dealing with various issues, but one of the most concerning problems we encounter is rodent infestation. Rodents are not just a nuisance; they pose significant risks to your health, safety, and property. In this blog, we’ll explore the dangers of having rats in your home and the issues they can cause, helping you understand why immediate action is crucial, just as the owners of this house did.
Structural Damage
Rodents are notorious for their gnawing habits, which can cause significant structural damage to your home:
Chewed Wires: Rodents gnaw on electrical wires, posing a severe fire hazard. Damaged wiring can also lead to power outages and expensive repairs.
Damaged Insulation: Rodents tear apart insulation to build nests, reducing your home's energy efficiency and leading to higher heating and cooling bills.
Compromised Structures: Rodents burrow into walls, ceilings, and floors, weakening the structural integrity of your home over time.
Water Damage: Rodents can chew through pipes, causing leaks and water damage that may lead to mold growth and costly repairs.
Assessment
Our team conducted a thorough inspection, uncovering the full extent of the infestation. The rats had burrowed deep into the structure, nesting in the walls, attic, and even beneath the foundation. The damage was so extensive that simple extermination wouldn't suffice. The house needed to be gutted to eradicate the problem. The idea of tearing down their home was heartbreaking, a house that was “built to last.” But the reality was unavoidable. We explained that to ensure the safety and longevity of the home, we had to start from scratch. From there we added a new Anne Frank bathroom on the top floor, updated the windows, and worked hard to make sure the landscape was usable for the homeowners by building a fence for privacy.
