The housing market in the Columbus area is hot right now and offers are being accepted at rapid rates. Because of this, some home buyers are foregoing home inspections and cutting corners so that they can quickly buy a home. However, this isn’t the best decision, especially for homes built before 1980.
Keep reading to learn why home inspections are a crucial step and can help protect you from dangerous elements lurking around your potential new home.
Asbestos Exposure
One toxin to look out for is asbestos in the home, which can be identified through home inspections. Homes built before the 1980s are likely to have asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), as asbestos was used because of its fire-resistant properties.
Asbestos-containing materials can be found in numerous places throughout the home, including heating and piping, floor coverings, popcorn ceilings, insulation, textured paint, and electrical equipment just to name a few.
The tricky thing with asbestos is that it can’t be seen with the naked eye, which means the only way to truly know if it’s in your home is to test for it. Asbestos fibers will only cause harm if ACMs have been disturbed and the particles become airborne. Once the particles become airborne, anyone breathing in the particles is at an increased risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma cancer or asbestosis.
Keep your family safe by having your home checked for asbestos and taking the necessary removal precautions if asbestos is found.
Lead Paint Exposure
In 1978 the US government placed a ban on lead-based paint. However, that doesn’t mean that lead no longer exists in the home. The removal of lead-based paint across the country didn’t happen overnight and many homes today still contain lead.
While there is a requirement that homeowners must notify buyers of potential lead-based paint, sometimes this information can slip through the cracks during a quick offer acceptance. This is why it’s important to schedule a home inspection and reduce the chances of lead exposure in the home.
Exposure to lead-based paint can have serious health impacts, especially on children. For example, children may experience the following if exposed to lead:
Brain and nervous system damage
Growth and development delays
Behavior and learning complications
Speech and hearing difficulties
Alternatively, anyone exposed to lead is at risk of developing lead poisoning. Lead poisoning side effects aren’t always present until years after exposure. Therefore, it’s critical to have your home tested for lead toxicity to keep yourself and your family safe.
Structural Damage
As homes grow in age so do their structural integrity. The wear and tear that the environment and Ohio weather have on homes can result in unreliable support and hefty improvement costs down the road. Unevenness and cracks in the foundation can form and raise the risk of water damage or rodent infestation.
Be sure to have your new home checked for cracked walls, uneven floors, damaged titles, and jammed windows or doors. It’s also important to ask the previous owners about all projects they’ve had done to the house, professional and DIY. With the rise of do-it-yourself projects, corners are often cut and problems are cleverly covered.
You want to be aware of even the smallest of problems before purchasing a home to avoid potential headaches later on in homeownership.
How We Can Help
Are you looking for a home inspection in the greater Columbus, Ohio area? We can help you uncover dangerous elements in your home that can’t be seen with the naked eye.
Our team of trained professionals will inspect your home for any dangers or warning signs before you buy. Waiving the home inspection contingency may seem like a tempting option, especially if the sellers seem trustworthy, but remember that your home should be safe and healthy. Avoid future complications and give us a call to take a look at the property.
