3 features that date your home

A popular decor trend in the 1960s, wooden wall panelling not only makes a room feel incredibly dark and boxed-in, it poses as a serious health hazard because of formaldehyde. Formaldehyde exposure can have a negative effect on health, both short and long term exposure can cause irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, and throat. Removing these panels without damaging the walls is a time-consuming task but you can sand them down and add a lick of paint to create a modern beach-inspired, white-washed look.

In the 1950s, carpets were seen as luxury items that most homeowners simply couldn’t afford. Thought of today as somewhat unhygienic (unless cleaned thoroughly and regularly), carpeted bathrooms are a feature that often make a home a tricky sell, especially for Durban residents because of the humid weather. Homeowners should consider removing the carpeting and install new tiles. If the chill of the porcelain beneath your feet is too much to bear, consider installing underfloor heating.

Not only is this outdated décor trend the most effective dust and cobweb trapper known to man, but it also poses a potential health risk. These types of ceilings usually contain asbestos, which when inhaled puts you at a high risk for mesothelioma, a fast-moving form of cancer.

You can paint or texture over the existing popcorn ceiling to encapsulate the asbestos. If you want to remove the ceiling, call in a professional.