Houses can be tested for drugs just as simple as an individual gets tested. But...when you're purchasing a home, you're objective is not to pinpoint an individual drug user at this point in time. You want to test the actual components of the home to verify that the home is not contaminated with drugs (See pictures above). You want to find out whether or not previous owners have ever made, distributed or even used specific drugs in the dream home that you are planning on purchasing.

Some drugs have had lingering health effects in many homes that it has prompted local health officials to board them up until a professional cleanup is performed. Another important item of concern would be the safety of your children. As you know, children touch everything in sight and if drugs are present on the surfaces of a home, the results could be devastating. Testing for drugs in your prospective home now will give you the opportunity to get a sneak peek at what's actually been going on behind closed doors. My drug testing will give you peace of mind knowing that drug residue definitely does or does not exist on surfaces throughout the home. You can then proceed with your next step in purchasing the property. Avoid waiting for any accidents that could happen from exposure to drug residues.

My drug testing tool is patented technology that can instantly detect and identify 5 major types of illegal narcotics on any non-porous surface within a home. It gives me the ability to detect trace amounts of Cocaine, Amphetamine or Methamphetamine, Opiates (Heroin), and Marijuana (Cannabis) down to the nanogram level. This test utilizes patented biosensors that allow me to detect and identify invisible amounts of drug types, their patterns and their exact location. I will then provide you data on the intensity, type, and the location of any illegal drug activity within that particular home.

This test differentiates itself from other drug detection products that are currently available on the market today because it tests for the actual raw drug. Any trafficking residue can be easily detected as well as the sweat that was secreted and deposited on surfaces from drug impaired users. When an individual is blood-impaired or high on a particular drug they will actually sweat out the raw drug. They will then leave their sweat on multiple surfaces throughout the home by touching them. These surfaces include doors - knobs and trim, handrails, walls, light switches, worktables, sink fixtures, countertops, windows, etc. I can test every one of these surfaces to determine whether or not there were illegal drugs on the property. At the conclusion of my testing, I will record your results into a report and hand them to you. You can then take your next step into purchasing this home.

If you think this drug testing is an invasion of privacy, it is not. If you (the Buyer) will eventually own the property being tested, then you have the absolute right to test it for drug residues. It's not considered to be invasive at all. At this point of the sale, if the Sellers didn't do anything wrong, then there's nothing to worry about. Don't wait until it's too late, as drug clean-ups can cost you thousands of dollars. Home Buyers Nightmare

If you are reading this and are not purchasing a home but are simply curious if drug residues do actually exist within your home or workplace, please call me at 978-683-4984 to discuss quantifying you and your family's risks.

 

This drug test has been used by over 1,000 local and state government agencies since the late 1990's, but it is now on the market for private businesses (such as mine) to determine the presence of drugs in specific environments. Today, it is currently being used by the DEA, FBI and US Customs and has been a vital part of the Office of National Drug Control Policy Technology Transfer program. This advanced technology produces field reliable results within minutes on-site.

 
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16 Comments on TESTING HOMES FOR DRUG USE WITHIN

SEP
07
2008
220,662 Points 1 Featured Post

wow - I never thought of the fact that homes could indeed have been used for that -

3:05pm • #1

Barbara-Jo and Bill,

There have been many homes sold that will absolutely contain drug residues of some kind. I guess it all depends on the geographic location of the homes in questions.

Massachusetts homes are not big on methamphetamine labs but other drugs are out there and are being used on a daily basis.

When drugs are being used, there are being used in homes...Right?

Your state drug-use statistics can be researched here...

http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/pubs/state_factsheets.html

 

3:34pm • #2

David, very interesting information.  I would say this test is well-worth it in some parts of the country. 

Just curious, did you plan on living in Meth - uen, MA?  :-) Sorry, couldn't help myself.

 

4:39pm • #3

David, what is the remedy for the homes that will test positive?

9:20pm • #4
SEP
08
2008

Gail,

The answer to your question is "NO". I really don't think many homeowners have planned on living in the city or State that there are living in now. It's just a coincidence that my city of choice was METH-uen.

I don't believe any home Buyer will choose a house according to the statistics in a particular area of non-drug use. I started getting into drug testing simply because I had clients asking me about it. When I get such requests, I like to be ready for future requests. And this is what got me started in drug-testing.

No particular city or State is going to contain ALL drug-free homes. It's up to the drug testers such as myself to assist the home Buyer in obtaining all the information on their prospective home.

5:32am • #5

Robert,

If a home does test positive on any of the harsh chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamines, then a professional cleaning will be needed and then re-tested. There have been many homes that were so badly contaminated (with the methamphetamine manufacturing chemicals) that it had to be completely demolished in order to make the community safe. So it all depends on the extent of the chemicals that are detected.

 

In testing the homes for drug use and simple cannabis or cocaine residues are found, the areas in question can be professionally cleaned by a local cleaning company and then re-tested.

5:40am • #6

Good information. Are you using the testing kits or do you have the Meth Gun?

7:27am • #7

Robert,

I use the test kits which can detect Cocaine, Amphetamine or Methamphetamine, Opiates (Heroin), and Marijuana (Cannabis).

2:48pm • #8
129,565 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor

Thank you, I will make sue my home inspector in California is using this.

2:53pm • #9

Jane,

Most Home Inspectors do not use these test kits. I'm simply going beyond my SOP and offering this drug testing as an optional service for my clients.

2:58pm • #10
SEP
18
2008

I actually read an article on this awhile back. A buyer had bought a home that was previously used as a "meth-lab." The condition was not disclosed to the new owners and they found out from people within the neighborhood after taking possession.

After being alarmed by this news they decided to do further research to confirm the validity of these rumors. It turns out that the rumors were true and that very dangerous toxins still existed inside the home.

Sounds very similar to the story the OP posted. Very sad for both families.

9:34pm • #11
SEP
19
2008

John,

 

That is so sad to hear that there are so many desparate Sellers out there that don't even worry about the families moving in to a drug infested home and becoming very sick or even dying. These greedy individuals would rather collect their profits on a home and watch home Buyers become innocent victims of their crime. Now.....That makes me sick to my stomach.

 

And that is the exact reason why I perform these drug tests. I want all Buyers to know exactly what they are getting into.

5:46am • #13

Thank you, I will make sue my home inspector in California is using this.

09/08/2008 02:53 PM by Jane Grant - Southwest Real Estate, Inc.

 

I cringe when I see the words sue and home inspector in the same sentence! (:

6:08am • #14

Joshua,

 

I'm sure Jane simply failed to add the "r" in "sue" to make it "sure".

8:12pm • #15
DEC
07
125,891 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Thank you Daivd.  I have bookmarked this post and will refer back to it and let others know where to find their answers.

2:53pm • #16

Thank you, Susan.

 

If you or anyone else has questions regarding HOMES, I have all your answers.

 

Happy Holidays.

3:38pm • #17

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David Valley

Methuen, MA

More about me…

Massachusetts Home Inspections

Address: Methuen, MA

Office Phone: (978) 683-4984

Cell Phone: (978) 423-2313

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Very interesting information for all Massachusetts Home Buyers and Sellers. I continuously post home Maintenance suggestions and Infrared (Thermal) Imaging technology information. Real Estate Agents can also learn from my periodic postings.


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