3 Potential Home Hazards in Your New House

Purchasing a new home can be exciting, yet also overwhelming. As soon as you close on the property, your head begins spinning with things you need to do. You need to change the locks, update the paint, move your belongings in, and check for any health hazards before moving your family in. Many new homeowners do not think to test for potential hazards. These are some of the most important hazards to look out for in your new house.

Mold
Mold is often caused by moist areas. One of the most common situations occurs when there is a water leak. The water leak is repaired, but the water is never remediated. This can quickly lead to mold growth. Sometimes, mold is easily visible and other times, it is hidden beneath flooring, walls, or other fixtures. If there are signs of water damage, always check for mold around the area. Mold that is not remediated can cause breathing difficulties and the mold problem will only get worse over time.

Loose nails and floorboards
Loose nails and floorboards seem to arise out of nowhere. You are moving all of your belongings in and then you trip on a board you are sure what flat a minute before. It can take a while to get to know the ins and outs of your house. Before moving anything in, do a full walkthrough of the house. Make any needed minor repairs. This is easier to do when the house is not cluttered with boxes or furniture.

Radon
Radon is one of the most dangerous toxic substances, yet radon testing and inspection is one of the least tested for. Many new homeowners will schedule an inspection for the home?s appliances, electrical, and plumbing. The inspector might even look for mold, but testing for radon is often an extra service. This is a problem, as radon can be extremely dangerous. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and the Surgeon General?s Office have estimated that as many as 20,000 lung cancer deaths are caused each year by radon.

A family whose home has radon levels of 4 pCil is exposed to approximately 35 times as much radon as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission would allow if that family was standing next to the fence of a radioactive waste site. Scheduling a radon testing and inspection can help homeowners identify these concerns and to deal with radon abatement services.

How to prevent these health hazards
The best way to prevent these health hazards from affecting you and your family is to schedule radon testing and inspection services immediately upon closing. An open house is easier for the local radon mitigation company to conduct local radon testing. If you are wondering how to get rid of radon, the radon testing and inspection company will also assist with that. Using detectors can also give you a better idea. Short term detectors measure radon levels for 2 days to 90 days, depending on the device.

You can identify other potential hazards, such as mold or loose nails by doing a full walkthrough. Even if you complete a walkthrough on the day of closing, doing another one with fresh eyes before moving in is always a good idea. This gives you a list of items that you need to repair to ensure that the house is safe for you and your family.

Buying a new house is an exciting time. You have entered into the American dream and now have a house you can renovated and customize to your needs. The first step, however, should be to ensure that it is safe and ready for residents. Schedule an inspection, including a radon testing and inspection service. Look for any signs of water damage, mold, or loose nails and floorboards.