The Importance Of Giving Your New Property A Health Check

There are home improvements that you might want to invest in because they can help you improve the value of the home, as well as the quality of life there. However, there are also checks and improvements that you should make because, otherwise, they might genuinely affect the health of you or the next person you intend to sell the home to. Here, we’re going to look at some of the home health checks you should make, and what you can do if you do discover them.

Radon

Radon gas is found in many homes, a result of natural radioactive uranium in the group decaying, with the gas from that decay seeping up into the home from below and often let into the home through our HVAC systems. There are radon maps that you can look at to see where high levels of radon have already been found. If your property is in such an area, then you can look into placing a couple of detectors in the home. If you do find high levels of radon, you can reduce it by, for instance, replacing ventilation bricks or by installing a pump in the loft to improve airflow. Otherwise, radon can cause serious respiratory illness.

Carbon monoxide

A colorless and odorless gas, carbon monoxide is a very dangerous substance that is produced when fuel such as coal, propane, natural gas, and even wood is burned. It can be toxic when inhaled, to the point that too much exposure without the right medical attention after the fact can lead to death. Fitting carbon monoxide alarms in the home and making sure that they have their batteries installed  Servicing the heating system, any fossil fuel-burning appliances, and the water heater can all help you prevent carbon monoxide leaks in the home. Carbon monoxide can leak from some refrigerators, as well, so be sure to have a qualified technician take a look at it at least once a year.

Asbestos

If you’re looking at buying or selling an older home, then you need to be aware of some of the construction materials that might have been used that could be dangerous. Though efforts have been taken to eliminate it and to great effect, there may still be asbestos in old homes. This outdated insulation has been linked to serious respiratory diseases, including a form of lung cancer. If you sell a home with asbestos in it, then you could be contacted by a mesothelioma attorney down the line. The single best way to make sure that you don’t have asbestos is to have your walls and attic inspected. If it is there, it’s not too complicated to remove it and replace it with safer insulation in most cases.

Lead paint

Speakng of old homes, another material that was once much more commonly used but has fallen out of favor in recent decades is lead paint. If the property was built before 1978, there is a decent chance that there is lead in the paint used either outside or inside. Lead poisoning can be a serious health risk, especially to pregnant women and children. The lead might not pose a threat if it is in good condition and hasn’t been broken, but when it breaks down, it can be inhaled, causing organ damage, brain damage, and nerve damage in kids, and issues such as anemia, fertility problems, high blood pressure, and hearing and vision loss in adults. Getting in touch with lead paint removal services can help make it a thing of the past.

Hidden leaks

Though perhaps not as dramatic as any of the other risks mentioned above, leaks can be a serious problem in any home. Hidden leaks in the walls from damaged pipes or appliances, or leaks from the roof can result in the spread of damp and mold. This can do a lot of damage to the home, but it can also cause and exacerbate respiratory health issues such as asthma. Having a roofing specialist taking a look at the roof to make sure that it’s in good condition, with no cracks, missing tiles, or excessive wear and tear. If you see any signs of mold or damp inside the home, get in touch with a plumber as soon as you can to find and fix the source.

You might be held liable if you sell any home that contains health risks that you’re aware of or suspect, but don’t inform the buyer of. Avoid that kind of tangle altogether by investing in the health checks that your home needs and the improvements that can address those issues.