Buying a new home is an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. You’re embarking on a new chapter of your life, and the thought of all the potential horrors lurking in your future home is enough to give even the most resilient people nightmares.
Luckily, you’ve got this handy guide filled with tips on spotting potential safety threats in your new dwelling. So, here goes a checklist of the top seven safety threats you should be looking for when buying a new home.
Check for Lead-Based Paint
Lead-based paint is a major health risk, especially for children. Lead poisoning can cause brain damage and developmental delays in young kids, so it’s important to look for the telltale signs of lead-based paint before you buy your new home.
The most obvious sign of lead-based paint is chipping or cracking, but there are other indicators too.
If the home was built before 1978, there’s a good chance it has lead-based paint. You can also check for signs of peeling paint and flaking walls, which are common symptoms of lead exposure.
Make Sure the Home Is Free From Pests
Pests can be a major problem in homes, especially if they’re not treated properly. It’s important to inspect the property thoroughly before signing on the dotted line, and you should hire a home inspector Burlington to do a thorough inspection before moving in.
Look for signs of pests such as mice and rats, who can chew through electrical wires and cause fires. You should also check for cockroaches or other insects, which can make your home a very unpleasant place to live.
Find Out If the Neighborhood Is Flood Prone
Flooding can be a major problem for homeowners and can cause severe damage to your home.
You should ensure that the property you’re considering is not in a flood zone, as many properties are. This information is often available on the county assessor’s website or by contacting them directly.
Be Aware of Any Reported Asbestos in the Home
Asbestos is a dangerous material that can cause lung cancer if you breathe it in. If there are asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in your home, it’s important to remove them before finalizing your purchase.
You should also research whether the home has ever been tested for asbestos. If it hasn’t, ask your real estate agent to have the seller complete a form stating that there are no ACMs in your new home.
Alternatively, you can call home inspector Burlington to have the home tested for asbestos. If they detect asbestos, you may be able to negotiate with the seller to get them removed or reduce your offer price by the cost of removal.
Check for Radon Gas
Radon is a type of radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. It’s found in soil, water, and rock and can enter your home through cracks in the foundation or gaps around pipes.
If you suspect that there may be radon gas present in your new home, you should have it tested before signing on the dotted line.
Poorly-Maintained Stairs, Railings, Balconies
And Stairwells If you live in a multi-story house, it’s important to inspect the staircases and railings carefully. These areas can be dangerous if they aren’t properly maintained. So make sure that there are no loose or missing steps or pieces of wood that could snap off easily.
Fire Hazards
Some houses are more prone to fire than others. If you’re buying a home that has a fireplace, make sure that there is a working smoke detector in the room where it is located. Also, check the chimney for cracks or holes that might let smoke into your home.
Final Word
Before buying a home, make sure that the home is safe. This is important because you will be living in the home. You don’t want to move into a house that threatens your health or safety. So, if you’re buying a home, ensure it has been properly inspected and repaired before moving in.
