Woman Renovating Her 1960s Home Gets Scary Surprise After Pulling Up Her Carpet
When Tara, a U.K. homeowner, bought her 1960s house last April, she saw more than just a property: she saw potential. The home had been owned by an older couple for 50 years, and she couldn’t wait to breathe new life into it. But one afternoon, while pulling up an old carpet in the hallway, her DIY dream turned into a nerve-wracking discovery that left her questioning what she’d just uncovered.
A Big Project With Bigger Goals
Tara always dreamed of taking on a renovation. “I like the idea of bringing something old back to life,” she told Newsweek. She also saw it as a smart financial move, if done right. But like most renovators quickly learn, it’s not cheap. In the U.S., home renovations can range anywhere from $19,500 to $88,400, according to the website Angi. Even in the U.K., Tara knew every pound counted, and she’d have to get creative to stretch her budget.
The Reality Of DIY Life
Since starting renovations just a month after moving in, Tara has learned that the process isn’t as simple as it looks online. “The biggest challenge so far has been scheduling tradesmen and getting the jobs done in the correct order,” she said. Between rising costs and limited help, she’s taken on most of the physical work herself. “A lot of jobs require two people, or a decent amount of strength,” she admitted, calling the experience both empowering and exhausting.
Social Media Meets Home Improvement
Tara’s not doing it all alone, though, at least not virtually. She documents her journey on TikTok as @the.millenial.mess and on Instagram as @taralian_, sharing everything from small victories to unexpected setbacks. “I enjoy sharing the process and getting tips from people,” she said. Her videos have drawn a supportive following of DIY lovers who cheer her on, offering advice and encouragement as she transforms each corner of her home.
The Carpet That Hid A Secret
Recently, Tara decided to save money by removing her old carpet and parquet tiles herself. “The quote I got for new flooring had extra charges for removing the old carpet and the parquet tiles underneath,” she explained, “so I decided to (...) strip it all out myself.” She recorded the process for social media, expecting nothing more than a bit of hard work and dust. Instead, she uncovered something that made her stop cold.
The Moment Things Got Scary
Within minutes of posting the video, Tara’s inbox flooded with messages from followers warning her that the black adhesive under her parquet tiles could contain asbestos. “I was a bit panicked,” she said. “It had been dusty, and then I was convinced I could feel a weird tingling sensation in my throat and nose.” Asbestos, once prized for its fire resistance, was used in building materials until it was banned around the early 2000s after being linked to serious lung diseases.
Sorting Fact From Fear
After the initial panic, Tara received reassurance from professionals and experienced renovators online. Builders and surveyors told her that, if asbestos was present, it would likely be in low levels and pose minimal risk. Still, the experience rattled her. “I have since learned how many products asbestos was used in,” she said. “It’s crazy.” The incident served as an important wake-up call for her, and a cautionary tale for anyone tackling an older home renovation.
A Valuable Lesson In Safety
Tara says she won’t stop renovating, but she’s learned to be more cautious. “It’s not put me off doing more,” she said, “but it has made me aware of the importance of wearing a protective mask when disturbing anything in old houses as you just don’t know what materials were used.” Her story is a reminder that progress doesn’t always mean pushing forward fast, it means working safely and smartly, even when excitement takes over.
Finding The Silver Lining
The scare didn’t derail Tara’s project, but it did give her perspective. She’s still filming, still sanding, and still learning. Renovating an old home is never just about replacing floors or repainting walls. It’s about discovering the home’s history, flaws and all, and finding the balance between respecting what’s there and creating something new. For Tara, that mix of patience and persistence is what keeps her going, one project at a time.
Advice For Fellow DIY Dreamers
Tara’s advice is simple: take it slow, plan ahead, and never assume old materials are harmless. Wear protective gear, test suspicious materials, and don’t hesitate to call experts when something feels off. Renovation isn’t about rushing to the finish line, it’s about learning as you go. And sometimes, the scariest moments are the ones that teach you the most valuable lessons.
What To Do If You Find Asbestos During A Home Reno
If you suspect asbestos while renovating, the first and most important step is to stop work immediately. Don’t try to scrape, sand, or sweep it away. Disturbing asbestos fibers makes them airborne, which is when they become dangerous to inhale. Seal off the area if possible and avoid tracking dust through the house. Then, call a certified asbestos professional for testing. If it’s confirmed, they’ll safely remove or seal it according to local regulations.
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It might feel frustrating to pause your project, but it’s absolutely worth it. Asbestos-related health issues often develop years after exposure, so prevention is everything. Once cleared, you can move forward confidently, knowing your home is not only more beautiful, but also safe.
Bliss Donahue-Power
