Home Hazards Owners Need to Know About

You want your home to be comfortable, secure, and safe. But are you aware of these common home hazards owners need to know about? They’re important to know about when buying and selling. Not only are they dangerous, but they can be expensive to remedy and can make it difficult for a home to sell. Read on to learn more about these common home hazards owners need to know about.

Mold
Mold can cause serious health problems and significantly reduce the value of a home. If you’re purchasing a home that has mold in it, you may find that it’s infiltrated more areas than openly visible, necessitating expensive remediation. Get a mold inspection from a certified or licensed mold inspector. Always keep an eye out for evidence of flooding and leaks, and be especially sharp in damp areas like basements. Also, never let mold grow – always treat it as you see it.

Asbestos
Asbestos refers to naturally-occurring silicate minerals, each composed of long crystals that can be released into the air by forces like abrasion. It can be found in a variety of building materials, including insulation, shingles, and vinyl flooring. You may be surprised to learn that asbestos is not banned – manufacturers just can’t make any new products containing it. Homeowners looking to remodel may want to be careful about home projects as a result, since it’s possible asbestos-containing products were never replaced. When in doubt, hire a building inspector to test for asbestos.

Lead
If your home was built before 1978, there’s a chance it may have lead paint on the inside or outside. When lead paint deteriorates, it can create a dust that can cover window sills, children’s toys, floors, and other surfaces in the home. Lead exposure can cause serious issues in children such as damage to the brain and nerves, and can also affect pregnant women. Lead paint can harm adults, as well, manifesting as headaches, joint pain, memory issues, and other health problems.

As a seller, you must disclose the lead paint to future buyers. Special safety precautions must be taken when remodeling to avoid lead exposure. An inspector will be able to help you determine if the home contains lead paint.

Carbon Monoxide & Fire Hazards
Common household items like gas stoves, oil-burning furnaces, water heaters, and portable generators can put people at risk of being exposed to carbon monoxide. They can also pose as fire hazards, as well. A stove near a window, for example, could easily set curtains aflame. Always make sure that your household appliances are maintained and in good working order, and be sure that your next home or apartment includes carbon monoxide and smoke detectors positioned in the proper locations.

Are you interested in buying or selling a home? Contact us today at 713-364-5883 or info@angelfultzrealty.com.