Rowland At first glance a house may look perfectly safe, in the perfect location surrounded by greenery with fresh air all around; it takes a much closer look and some extra work to understand the potential hazards you face when you plan to own the house. When buying a house in Lithia, the first person who can help you make an informed decision is the home inspector. They have usually inspected enough houses to know whether or not the house is host to a variety of hazards.
Nevertheless, it is good to know a few of the common hazards that pop up during the inspection of a home. Let’s see what those are. However, this list is not exhaustive and does NOT cover all known hazards.
- Lead
A substance used in many houses – mainly lead-based paint and lead piping. It is a proven toxic substance that can cause a number of health problems.
- Asbestos
A form of magnesium silicate that was used in construction materials in a lot of houses, mainly older ones. Inhaling the loose fibers of asbestos is said to cause lung disorders and disease. Always take professional help for detection or abatement of asbestos.
- Radon
A radioactive gas that forms when thorium, uranium, or radium break down in rocks, in the soil, or groundwater (Source). It is a very harmful gas that has the potential to cause diseases; people are exposed to it by breathing in air that has radon. Detection and mitigation of radon is a necessary step in making your home safer.
- Wood Rot Fungi
Easy growth of wood-eating fungi is facilitated by the presence of high moisture content and poor ventilation. While this process is a natural wood breakdown process, it can be destructive in houses that have used wood for construction. Know what you can do to prevent or remove if already present.
- Underground/Abandoned Oil Tanks
These are rare, but houses that use (or, in the past have used) oil for heating are likely to have underground oil tanks on the property. If not decommissioned, the oil can potentially leak into the surrounding soil or groundwater which can lead to environmental and financial consequences. It is important to find such tanks (via professionals) and eliminate the risks posed by them.
Conclusion
A thorough home inspection can point out anything that is out of place to you. In case of some environmental hazards, you may need to hire specialists for both detection and safe removal of hazards. It is believed to be the moral or ethical duty of the seller as well as the home inspector in Lithia to reveal all such hazards found during the inspection, or known beforehand. A little caution can go a long way to help shape your journey in your new home.
