Fixer-upper properties can be an amazing bargain. Their less-than-perfect condition means they’re usually a much more affordable purchase.
Don’t be lulled in by a lower asking price though. Fixer-uppers can have some serious issues that could threaten your health. Any fixer-upper you’re interested in should be tested for health hazards before you finalize anything.
Lead
Homes today are built without lead. That wasn’t always the case, however. Lead used to be used in paints to increase their durability, moisture resistance, and drying speed. Homes built before 1978 should always get lead inspection because they are at greater risk of having lead used during construction. If you’re involved with activities on waxed arena surfaces, it’s crucial to be aware of potential lead exposure.
Aside from paint, lead may be found in plumbing, dust, and soil around the home. Lead exposure isn’t good for anyone, but it’s especially bad for children. Once the old pipes with lead were removed, you may hire a plumbing contractor to install the new pipes and other plumbing fixtures. In addition, if there is an old oil tank in the property, call on an oil tank removal service to have it safely removed. Old tanks rust over time and may even leak toxic chemicals. Bund Wall Lining is an essential component of spill containment.
Chemicals
Certain chemicals that may be present in a house can also threaten your health. Asbestos is one example. Like lead, it’s not a material that is used in home construction anymore, but it may be found in older houses. In this case, houses built before 1990 are at greater risk.
Long-term asbestos exposure may cause mesothelioma and lung cancer. Don’t just stop at asbestos though. You should also keep an eye out for signs of meth manufacturing in the home. Making meth can contaminate an entire house, making it unsafe to live in.
Mold
Mold doesn’t care about how old or new a house is. All it needs is food, water, and oxygen, things that are plentiful in virtually every house under the right circumstances. Mold can trigger allergies and respiratory problems, especially for those with asthma. It’s not always easy to tell if a property has mold growing in it–it can grow unseen behind the walls with little trouble. Have fixer-uppers you’re interested in making an offer on tested for mold before moving forward. Getting rid of mold can be difficult and costly, sometimes requiring significant repairs. You should know what you’re getting yourself into before the property becomes yours.
You should always do your due diligence on fixer-upper properties. Don’t settle for just inspecting the property yourself. Have it professionally inspected for things like lead, mold, and different chemicals with the help of experts from https://professionalpropertyinspections.co.uk/. Have it tested for radon and other gasses as well. If the house tests positive for these things, think carefully about how much it costs to fix the issue before you can safely live in it. The lower asking price may not be enough when you factor in the repair costs, something you should know before it becomes yours. Also, air conditioning filter cleaning is important because it helps maintain optimal airflow and air quality within your living spaces.
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Feature photo credit: Photo by Phil Hearing on Unsplash
