Three Contamination Problems to Consider During Building Inspections

If you have found a suitable home on sale and are planning on purchasing it, you should commission building inspection services before official conveyance of the property. The building inspection process will allow you to identify the concealed problems in the house. Consequently, you will be able to avoid investing in an unworthy home. One of the common issues that you should discuss with your inspector before the assessment is contamination of the home. In some cases, the home might have pollutants which might make the house unsafe and unsuitable for living. Here are some of the dangerous materials that you should consider during the building inspection.

Asbestos

You should inquire about asbestos contamination if you are planning on buying an old house. Asbestos has some good properties such as exceptional strength, extreme temperature resistance, chemical resistance and durability. However, the mineral is also dangerous when inhaled. The fibres of asbestos will cling to the respiratory system and cause extensive damage. Unfortunately, the danger of this material was discovered after numerous houses had already been built. Ideally, your building inspector should help you identify the presence of asbestos-containing materials and their location. The information provided will help you decide whether you should look for another home or buy the house and manage the hazardous material.

Mould

You should inquire about the presence of mould in the house before proceeding with the home purchase process. Mould is a powerful contaminant which can significantly lower the indoor air quality. In simple terms, mould produces spores after maturing as a form of reproduction. If these particles are inhaled, they will cause significant respiratory problems. Visible mould is a sign of significant damage in the house. Remediation of the problem can be difficult. You should also have your inspector check for water ingress issues. Moisture intrusion is the most common cause of widespread mould growth. Remember, the presence of water in the structure might mean that there is structural damage.

Lead Paint

Like asbestos, lead paint might be found in some older homes. If the home that you are interested in buying is at-risk, you should have your inspector examine the building for this hazard in the building. The risk of the presence of this material is low. However, the potential long-term health effects are extensive. Therefore, you cannot afford to be negligent. You should have the expert check the building thoroughly. If there is a possible risk, you should inquire about your remediation options and the potential costs. 



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About Me

Connie's Construction and Contracting Blog There are still many people do not believe that women should be involved in DIY or construction jobs. My blog is here to prove them all wrong. My name is Connie and I have always been interested in construction and repair work around my home. Rather than just sitting back and letting someone else take care of the problem, I like to get stuck in so I can try and learn something. However, sometimes there are jobs I cannot do on my own. However, when I call in a contractor, I always take the time to chat with them so I can pick up a tip or trick which will help me in the future. I hope you like the articles on my blog.

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