House hunting can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience for many. People wish to find their dream house that matches all of the requirements they have set out, making this task even more challenging than it sounds!
However, there are a million different things people must consider before settling for a place. These include expenses, location, size, and neighborhood. However, one significant thing people might miss out on is the health-related problems that can come with the house. We usually only check for pests and cleanliness. However, we need to look over plenty of other things. So, we have prepared a list of details you must enquire about before sealing the deal.
1) Asbestos exposure
Asbestos is a fire retardant and an insulator part of the construction. Its usage was more prevalent in the 1970s. However, people refrain from using it now due to its adverse health effects. Prolonged asbestos exposure can prove to be dangerous for your lungs. Inhaling its fibers can lead to lung cancer and tissue damage.
We have all heard “prevention is better than cure.” So, it is wise to inspect your house to see if the insulator used is asbestos. If yes, look for any damages like abrasions and water leakage. Calling professionals from a hygiene firm to inspect any damages and check for safety would be helpful.
Even though help is available for people exposed to this carcinogenic substance, it is better to ensure that you remove all chances of this happening. All you have to do is connect to an initiative that provides legal help. You can look up the keywords mesothelioma assistance near me or connect via social media if that is more convenient.
We must stand up against unsafe living conditions and chemical hazards. Doing this will ensure the removal and safe disposal of this harmful substance.
2) Water contamination
Around 71 percent of people in the United States drink tap water. And shockingly, 55 percent of these people are concerned about the contamination in the water. These stats show that people consume water without knowing what is in it.
Clean drinking water is imperative to maintaining good physical health. Unsafe levels of contaminants like PFOA and PFOS can cause many health problems. These include gastrointestinal issues, nervous system and reproductive problems, diarrhea, and chronic illnesses like cancer.
You must test the water quality in your taps before buying a house. This process can be done by professionals or at home, depending on your convenience. Doing it at home is quite simple. All you have to do is buy the test strip and immerse it into a jar filled with tap water. Swirl the container and wait for the tester to change its color. Then, match the shade on the strip to the chart provided in the kit.
You can also get a professional test for bacteria, nitrates, and other harmful substances in your tap water. Take the sample to a certified state laboratory. This method is likely to give you more accurate results.
Report the authorities if you find high contaminants in water supplied to the area. And search for other states and neighborhoods with safe drinking water.
3) Dirty air ducts
Most inspections include examining heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. However, they might just be checking if the heaters and air conditioners work. Doing this is not enough. Dirty vents are a common problem people ace after moving to a house. The ducts have collected so much dirt and bacteria over the years that they can make people sick.
Lower quality air in the house can lead to coughing, sneezing, sore throats, and other symptoms of allergies. You can avoid these respiratory issues by asking the contractor to clean the vents before moving.
4) Water leakages
We usually only pay attention to how the house looks. The paint and architecture lead the list of expectations you want to meet. Small but important details like water seepage and leakage do not cross our minds when buying a new house. The house must be waterproof and fault-free to ensure a strong structure and good health.
Dampness in the house can be because of leaking pipes, aging structures, damaged roofs and windows, and not letting the water dry out while constructing the new house. You cannot remove this moisture by painting the walls. It will eventually seep through all the layers.
But why is seepage in the house such a big problem? Studies show that moisture and mold are directly related to respiratory tract symptoms. It can cause nasal stuffiness, eye and throat irritation, and skin rashes. You also have a high risk of having lung illnesses and asthma if exposed to moisture for a prolonged period. These health issues can be direr if you have children in the house. They may suffer from coughing and wheezing.
Hence, inspect the house to ensure there are no faults in the piping and construction.
5) Gas leakages
We have all heard stories of disasters gas leakages have done. A propane leak is possible in a new house if the pipes are damaged. Inhaling too much of this gas will replace it with oxygen in your lungs. Mild exposure can lead to fatigue, rapid breathing, nausea, and emotional upsets. But inhaling it for too long can lead to collapsing, convulsing, and coma in severe cases.
You can find a wide range of gas leak detectors online. However, it is best to converse with your contractor about a professional inspection.
Conclusion
Remembering all these details while buying a home can be daunting. You might even feel a little stressed after reading these tips. But it is a one-time effort that will serve you for many years. It will make your dream home safe for both you and your family. Ensure that you thoroughly check every time you visit a potential building. You can even make notes to ask your contractor about details. Include all expenses for inspection in the contract to ensure that it takes place. Buying a new home is a lifelong investment. So, do not settle for anything less than perfection.