Yesterday I was "fortunate" enough to attend an informative continuing education class that reinforced all the environmental perils of buying and owning a home. While the class caused me quite a bit of anxiety and sleeplessness, I decided it was best to use that pent-up energy to blog about what I learned (better than putting my own house on the market and looking for a new line of work at least!).
Information is power, right? This information is not meant to scare buyers out of purchasing a home or to scare them about home inspection results. Most of these issues can be dealt with if you are aware of their existence.
Asbestos is a heat-resistant material that was used in building materials, like ceiling and floor tiles, insulation, pipe coverings and outdoor shingles. Asbestos has been linked to increased risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. Vermiculate insulation is generally presumed to contain asbestos as well. Asbestos has been prohibited since 1978. Buyers want to be on the lookout for asbestos and pay attention to its condition. Most issues or problems come when asbestos is removed or if it is peeling or in poor condition, as that is when the fibers are likely to be released. Removal of asbestos should only be done by a licensed professional. If a buyer is not sure whether a substance is asbestos or not, he or she should consult with a licensed home inspector or other qualified professional. Your home inspector is there to inspect the home for you so ask questions before, during and after the home inspection and read that home inspection report!
Radon is an odor free gas that comes from the earth and enters the house through cracks and crevices in the foundation. It attaches to dust and is breathed into the lungs. Once inside your lungs, radon decomposes and causes lung damage, including cancer. Radon testing can be done by most home inspectors. The EPA considers radon levels below 4 pCi/L in the air to be acceptable. What if your radon inspection shows unacceptable levels of Radon? It does not need to be the end of the deal. Radon levels can be lowered by the installation by qualified professionals of ventilation systems. Costs for these systems vary depending on the size of the home and other variables. Buyers can either ask the Seller to install the system and have the results tested after the installation or they can ask for mitigation of the price to have the system installed themselves. However, once in the home, whether the system is installed by the Buyer or Seller, the new owner, the Buyer, should continue to have the air tested to ensure that the system is working properly. Most radon mitigation systems come with a guarantee; make sure to get that information and follow up with the installer. As a side note, radon can also be found in water and also occurs in granite (like in those lovely kitchen counter tops!). Water can also be tested for radon and also be remediated. Any high levels of radon in the granite would cause the radon levels in the regular radon test to be high as well.
Mold is naturally occurring and likely found in every home. Mold multiplies when the humidity levels in the home rise above 60%. Mold can cause respiratory illnesses, chronic fatigue and other serious health issues. Within 48 hours, mold can grow on any wet, organic material. To avoid health issues, homeowners should thoroughly clean and remove the moldy material. If you see or smell mold, it is best to contact a mold testing company for professional advice. If you're not sure if a substance is mold, ask your home inspector or mold professional.
So......Asbestos, Radon and Mold....three of many issues to consider testing for or looking for when doing your home inspection as well as environmental issues to consider even after you have bought your home.
Contact your Canton MA Buyer Broker for representation that will be for the buyer 100% of the time.
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