Hidden Dangers to Look for when Buying an Older Home

Hideous wallpaper, drafty windows and rotten shingles is a common feature of older homes. However, these condition concerns are far less important to potential buyers than realizing what materials might rest under those rotten shingles or behind that outdated wallpaper. One material in particular, asbestos, leads to a particularly dangerous form of cancer after continued exposure. Mesothelioma symptoms, the indications of this material’s cancer, possess a long latency period where symptoms can be absent for numerous decades before appearance, making it especially difficult to both treat and diagnose this lethal home threat.

Radon gas, heavy metals like lead and even toxic mold are other chemical hazards that potential buyers of older homes need to be aware of before taking out the loan and signing their name. Unfortunately, in many states potential homeowners simply cannot rely on compulsory inspection reports to list these potential dangers. Furthermore, the technical language of these reports might leave many buyers confused about what represents a real danger and which condition issues are relatively innocuous

Although the presence of dangerous materials is just one of many concerns new owners face, it is arguably the most important consideration to make, especially with the recent rise in environmentally-linked health conditions like respiratory difficulties, cancer and birth defects. Although considering school district division, commute time and neighborhood safety remains important, no factor directly impacts the wellbeing of residents as much as these home environment hazards.   

It is therefore important for potential buyers to factor in the cost of checking for and removing these hazards in the homes they purchase. Unlike outdated appliances or unattractive wallpaper, these chemicals are concerns that must be removed professionally. Therefore, new home owners need to make sure the closing price of older homes that never received serious safety updates factors in that future cost.

Because home inspections typically only cover features of the home like the structural elements, exterior appearance, plumbing, components like water heaters, and electrical issues, in most states the list of potential dangers is incomplete on these reports. Therefore, it is imperative potential homeowners hire licensed professionals to ensure a home is free of these dangerous chemical threats like radon gas, lead and asbestos. Unfortunately, many homeowners cling to their superficial inspections as reassurance that their new home is completely safe, inside and out. However, failing to invest the extra time and money in a comprehensive inspection can result in devastating long-term consequences that may quietly plague families for years to come.