What to know about Asbestos in the Home

 

Asbestos damage to the lungs

In the past, building standards were not as strict and far more relaxed then what they are today. This means there were a number of various materials used in everyday construction because they were cheaper to work with. Unfortunately, it has been found out that some of the materials used pose a serious health risk, and only now people are starting to see the affects it is having on a person’s health.

The one material that brings the most concern is the prior use of asbestos in building and roof materials. At the time, asbestos posed no real serious health risks. Now however, it is known that if asbestos materials are broken up or disturbed the asbestos particles can enter the respiratory system and lungs.

The thing with asbestos poisoning is that the effects don’t show immediately and sometimes take years to surface when it might be too late to do anything about it. There are three main illnesses caused by asbestos listed below.

The first is, Mesothelioma, this is a cancer that affects the lungs and the lining of them, in addition to the digestive track.

The second is, Asbestosis, this is scarring of the lungs, which comes about from long periods of exposure to damaged asbestos throughout the years. Shortness of breath, that worsens over the years is one of the symptoms.

The third is, Lung Cancer, those who are smokers have a higher risk of this disease if asbestos fibers are inhaled into the lungs.

If you have any concern regarding the materials used in the construction of your home, especially if it’s over 30 years old contact a professional home inspection company. They usually offer a free consultation, and if they are not certified to handle asbestos inspections, they can refer you to a certified asbestos inspector.

If you would like to know a detailed list of items in your home that might contain asbestos, you can read more via the Consumer Product Safety Commission, here.

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A Home Inspection is a great way to Professionally Identify Termite Activity

 

Termites are never a pretty picture

The sight of termites in and around your home is never a good thing. As a homebuyer, it can be a deal killer and it’s a sign that you’ll need to dip into your emergency funds in order to treat and eradicate them. After they are gone, you’ll need to repair the damage caused to the home’s structure. In any case, the termites are not welcome visitors.

Most termite treatment plans are very effective in eliminating and keeping termites away. Although, the treatment would need to be regular to ensure that once the termites are gone that they stay away.

The state of Florida is a termite hot spot, which is not good news to residents or potential homebuyers needing to relocate. This means homeowners have a duty to keep their eyes peeled for termite infestation, termite activity, and damage.

Termites love dark and damp rotting wood; they are voracious wood eating insects that work in a team to devour. The insects have a tendency to get into any cracks in a home’s foundation. Once inside they have access to any wood used in the structure’s joists. If termites are not treated, and found early, the damage they cause is both devastating and costly.

The problem with termite damage is that it happens from the inside out and is difficult to detect until the damage is advanced. The best way to ensure your property, or your potential property, is termite free is to request a termite inspection.

Most home inspection companies offer a termite inspection as part of a specialized service. If you have any concerns, regarding termite infestation, then make sure to speak with a local and certified home inspector.

A professional home inspection company is able to provide you with a qualified and experienced home inspector. A home inspector is able to evaluate the damage and instruct you on what the most effective treatment plans are, and the best way to get repairs done. Get termites treated fast, so you don’t have to move out when they move in!

 

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Should the Presence of Mold put you off Buying a Home?

Serious Mold concerns

When you are looking to buy a home, there are many specialized services a professional home inspection can offer you. One of the services that is very important is the testing for mold. Mold is very distinctive and has a recognizable odor. The first thing you are likely to notice is the smell, which indicates the presence of mold. It is up to you to hire a an inspector to help find the location of the mold, and the best way to treat it.

Mold can be found hiding in many places, the bathroom, old carpets, rugs, behind the kitchen backsplash, among other objects within the home. What you need to determine and understand is if the discovered mold is the type that is harmful to your health, and too dangerous for your family to be around.

It is not uncommon for people to be frightened and wary of the presence of mold, as it can cause serious health issues. Mold can also take its toll on your finances and can spread rapidly if left untreated. That means millions of spores becoming airborne, moving into different rooms through the air conditioning, and into your lungs.

Few home insurance providers cover mold related problems that means out-of-pocket expenses for you if the mold is found after the purchase. If you have any concerns regarding mold in the property you want to buy, then it’s best to contact a local home inspection company. Ask about specialist services they offer that can help you.

In most cases, mold is not detrimental to your health; however, you should be getting it checked out. This is especially important if the house has been sitting vacant for a few months. The right inspection can give you peace of mind.

Mold can be treated, if caught in time. Don’t let mold ruin the opportunity of buying a home, especially if the mold can be treated and eradicated beforehand.

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What’s the Best Decision you can Make when Looking to Buy a Home?

 

A home inspection is a good idea

Buying a home is “up there” with the most important decision you will make in your life. So much needs considered when looking to buy a home, things like, location, cost, size, layout, nearby schools, and myriad of other personal preferences. Each need to be looked at and weighed before any final decision to buy is made.

The buyer needs to research everyone that is involved in the home buying process such as mortgage brokers, realtors, insurance company, appraisers, and home inspectors since of them play a dynamic role throughout the process.

In the home buying process, the home inspector you choose to employ can become your ally, as they are the ones providing you with detailed documentation you need to help you make a wise decision about the property.

It’s not unheard of for buyers to make a personalized checklist to assist them in finding a property in good condition. This can be beneficial before even considering such a large purchase like a home.

The condition of the following all need to be considered

  • the roof
  • the foundation
  • property age
  • major systems i.e. HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical
  • materials used to construct it

Homebuyers can often be fooled into believing they have found a great deal when only the roof needs repaired. The reality, though, is a new roof can cost thousands to replace, so be wary of great deals when in actuality it is a fair deal.

The best and safest way to know if a home you want to purchase is stable is to hire a home inspection company to provide an evaluation. A professional inspector covers areas you need to know about. It is an excellent way to learn of issues or to highlight the positives of a property.

As a homebuyer, one of the best decisions you make during the process of buying a home is to hire a certified and licensed home inspector. Based on the final inspection report make the choice to buy the property or walk away from it.

 

 

Avoid the Surprise of a Buyer’s Inspection by getting a Pre-listing Inspection First

 

Home Inspection results

The buyer requested a home inspection and you just received the results. The outcome shows that there are quite a few repairs that need fixed. It can be easy to feel stressed immediately at this point, as humans stress is a natural thing feel after bad news.

On receiving bad home inspection results, it can be very easy to feel scared too. Do not panic! If you are the homeowner, looking to sell your home, then you have no real inclination as to how the findings might affect the buyer’s decision to go through with the sale. If the findings are bad, then yes, the buyer could easily back out of the sale. One option is for you to deal with repairs, and freshen up on your negotiating skills.

If you want to sell your home, and want to avoid being surprised by the results of a buyer home inspection, then it is better to invest in a pre-listing inspection before putting the house up for sale.

By getting a pre-listing inspection prior to selling, you are finding out the issues concerning your home. Knowing this vital information gives you enough time to decide to get repairs done, or possibly reduce the asking price.

This puts the responsibility of the repairs onto the person who wants to purchase the property. It also gives them an upfront idea of how much money they need to get repairs done.

In finishing, you can help prevent the breaking of bad news by getting a prelisting home inspection first. A completed inspection will give you all the details that you need to know on your property. What you don’t want is a buyer’s inspector presenting you with issues you never knew about your home.

If your home inspection brings some bad news, don’t worry. Take the time to research the options you have available to help you. Remember, if you’re prepared, then nothing can come as too much of a surprise.

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