Older homes across South Louisiana are filled with charm — from beadboard ceilings and shiplap walls to raised foundations and wide porches. But beneath those historic details, many Louisiana homes hide problems that only reveal themselves once remodeling begins.

At Cajun Conservation, we remodel and restore older homes throughout Acadiana, Lafayette, Acadia Parish, and surrounding areas. After working on countless historic and mid-century properties, these are the 10 most common hidden issues we find — and how to fix them the right way.

1. Termite Damage

Louisiana has one of the highest termite populations in the U.S.

Where We Find It:

• Beams

• Floor joists

• Sill plates

• Porch supports

• Shiplap behind drywall

Fix:

Structural repairs + professional termite treatment.

💡 Pro Tip: If your home is older than 1970, ALWAYS budget for potential termite damage.

2. Rotted Wood from Humidity & Water

Humidity + old wood = rot.

Most Common Areas:

• Porches

• Windows

• Beadboard ceilings

• Bathroom floors

• Under leaking roofs

Fix:

Replace damaged boards with treated lumber or cypress + correct the moisture source.

3. Outdated Electrical Wiring

Homes built before the 1980s often have wiring that can’t handle modern appliances.

Signs:

• Flickering lights

• Hot outlets

• Tripping breakers

Fix:

Upgrade electrical panels, rewiring, GFCI outlets, and grounding.

4. Old Plumbing (Cast Iron or Galvanized Pipes)

Older pipes clog easily, leak, and eventually fail.

Fix:

Replace with PEX or PVC during remodels — especially in bathrooms and kitchens.

5. Foundation Problems in Raised Homes

Acadian and Cajun homes often sit on piers.

Common Issues:

• Sinking piers

• Rotted beams

• Uneven floors

Fix:

Jack up the home, repair beams, reset piers, and correct drainage.

💡 Pro Tip: Foundation repairs MUST come before cosmetic upgrades.

6. Hidden Mold Behind Walls

With Louisiana humidity, mold spreads easily.

Fix:

Remove affected drywall/wood, treat with antimicrobial, and install moisture barriers.

7. Poor Insulation (or None at All)

Many older homes were built before insulation was standard.

Fix:

Blown-in insulation in attics + foam board or batt insulation in walls during remodels.

8. Structural Damage from Past DIY Repairs

We see this constantly — previous owners “fixing” things incorrectly.

Examples:

• Incorrect wall removal

• Added rooms without permits

• Unsafe electrical alterations

• Decks/porches built with wrong fasteners

Fix:

Bring everything up to code with licensed professionals.

9. Hidden Water Leaks

You often find them only after opening walls.

Common Places:

• Behind showers

• Under old windows

• Under sinks

• Inside wall cavities

Fix:

Replace plumbing, patch framing, re-seal, and install moisture-resistant materials.

10. Improper Ventilation

Older Louisiana homes trap heat and moisture.

Fix:

Improve:

• Attic ventilation

• Bathroom exhaust fans

• Kitchen venting

• Crawlspace airflow

💡 Pro Tip: Better ventilation = fewer mold and rot issues long-term.

FAQs About Hidden Issues in Older Louisiana Homes

Q: How do I know if my home has hidden problems?Signs include soft floors, uneven doors, musty smells, or high electric bills.

Q: Are hidden problems expensive to fix?They CAN be — but catching them early saves thousands.

Q: Should I remodel if my home has multiple hidden issues?Yes. We create a plan that addresses structure first, then remodeling.

Why Cajun Conservation Is the Best Choice for Older Homes

We specialize in the unique challenges of Louisiana’s historic and mid-century homes. Our experience means we can uncover — and fix — hidden issues the right way.

✔️ Experts in raised foundations✔️ Historic Cajun & Creole carpentry✔️ Licensed & insured professionals✔️ Transparent pricing and detailed inspections✔️ Climate-ready solutions that last

Ready to Remodel an Older Louisiana Home?

Whether you're updating a historic Acadian cottage or a 1970s family home, Cajun Conservation ensures your remodel is done with quality, safety, and Cajun craftsmanship.

👉 Schedule your free consultation today, and let’s uncover your home’s potential — without the surprises.