Tech House Renovation Hits Hazardous Snag, Robot Vac Steps In
The ambitious renovation of a “tech house” has taken a surprising and hazardous turn. While tearing down walls and ripping up old flooring, the team discovered significant amounts of asbestos in the exterior walls, laundry sink, and near fireplaces. Adding to the list of concerns, lead was found in bathroom tiles, even in a newly installed en-suite. The house also showed signs of rodent droppings in the attic and crawl spaces. This discovery means professional hazardous material removal will be necessary before the main renovation can truly begin.
Despite these serious issues, the team is pressing on with the non-hazardous parts of the demolition. The project received help from sponsor RoboRock, who sent over their new S7 MaxV Ultra robot vacuum. This advanced robot uses 3D ToF sensors and an RGB camera for precise mapping and obstacle detection. It’s designed to navigate complex environments, which is a big help in a messy house like this.
Demolition Challenges and Unexpected Finds
The crew started by clearing out the crawl space. While one team member tackled the dusty, confined area, others began working on the garage. They found questionable electrical work, including extension cords haphazardly joined with hot glue and exposed wires. One worker described the situation as “freaking scary,” highlighting the need for proper electrical upgrades throughout the house.
Further into the house, the team began removing old carpeting from the living and dining rooms, and tackling the bedrooms. They encountered a peculiar detail: carpet installed on a wall, with trim placed over it. This suggests unconventional building methods were used in the past. The team is also considering the layout for future occupants, aiming for a space that is both a “gamer haven” and appealing to potential partners, emphasizing the importance of a well-thought-out house design.
As the demolition continues, the team is deciding how far to strip down the walls. The plan is to consult an engineer and a home layout expert before making major structural changes. They are also discussing network and electrical upgrades, with the goal of running wiring everywhere. The kitchen’s old layout and lack of counter space are noted, with plans to remove cabinets carefully. The team is also debating whether to replace a functional but older stove, with one suggesting a high-end “Wolf” appliance.
RoboRock S7 MaxV Ultra Shows Its Mettle
During the chaotic demolition, the RoboRock S7 MaxV Ultra proved surprisingly useful. While the human crew hauled out large debris, the robot vacuum was deployed in the crawl space. It managed to map the area, which helped the team identify the source of a mysterious armored cable. This cable, it turned out, was meant to power an outdoor fountain but was never connected, explaining why the fountain didn’t work.
The S7 MaxV Ultra’s features, like its Dirt and Smart Plan technology, allow it to create efficient cleaning paths and avoid obstacles. Its low profile, with an Adaptive Lift 3.0 and Flexi Arm, lets it clean under furniture and in tight spaces that traditional robot vacuums might miss. The robot’s ability to map and adapt was particularly impressive in the challenging, debris-filled environment of the crawl space.
What’s Next for the Tech House?
With the initial demolition phase nearing its end, the focus shifts to hazardous material abatement. Professionals will handle the asbestos and lead removal. Once the house is safe, the team plans to return and begin the rebuilding and tech integration process. The next steps will likely involve equipping the garage and potentially building a workshop, as discussed in previous episodes. The team acknowledges the scale of the project, emphasizing that hazardous material handling must be done by certified experts. The goal remains to transform the house into a functional and impressive tech hub.
Specs & Key Features: RoboRock S7 MaxV Ultra
- Powered by StarLite 2.0
- 3D Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensors
- RGB camera for accurate mapping and obstacle detection
- Millimeter-precise positioning
- Adaptive Lift 3.0
- Flexi Arm
- Overall height: 7.98 cm (allows access to low spaces)
- Dirt and Smart Plan technologies for efficient cleaning paths
Source: There’s Asbestos in the Tech House (YouTube)
