A new home purchase is a wonderful milestone, but it's important to look beyond just the design and layout. There are other things that could affect your safety and the long-term value of the property. For example, in 2021 and 2022, unintentional injury-related deaths in U.S. homes occurred at a rate of 38.6 per 100,000 people, demonstrating the need for safety checks when buying a home. (1)
A detailed home inspection is a significant part of the property-buying process. This inspection examines the property’s systems, structure, and components. While a standard inspection is necessary, you should also focus on safety concerns that might not be part of the basic evaluation
Read on and learn the key safety checks every homebuyer should consider before making a final decision.
Asbestos Testing
The first home safety check to do is asbestos testing. Some houses built before the 1980s may still contain asbestos, a hazardous material once popularly used in insulation, ceiling materials, floor tiles, and pipe coverings. The World Health Organization estimates that asbestos exposure contributes to over 200,000 deaths each year globally, making it a significant concern for homebuyers. (2)
If you're considering a property from this era, hiring a certified asbestos inspector is necessary to identify any potential hazards. For detailed information on what an inspection entails, click here for asbestos inspection details to understand the testing process and its importance.
Testing costs generally range from USD$231 to USD$778, but it's a vital investment given the severe health risks associated with asbestos exposure. (3)
Electrical System Safety
Your potential new home's electrical system requires a thorough inspection. The National Fire Protection Association reports that electrical failure or malfunction causes about 46,700 house fires annually, resulting in nearly USD$1.5 billion in property damage. (4)
A licensed electrician should authenticate that the electrical panel meets current safety codes, check for aluminum wiring (prevalent in homes designed between 1965 and 1973), and confirm proper grounding. Older knob and tube wiring must also be inspected, which would be a problem with houses manufactured before 1940. Identifying and resolving these potential hazards early can help avoid electrical failures and maintain fire safety.
Structural and Foundation Integrity
The structural integrity of a home plays a big role in its safety and total value. Foundation problems can cause a range of issues, such as cracked walls, uneven floors, or doors and windows that don’t shut properly. These could be signs of deeper issues that might need pricey repairs.
When having a home inspected, it’s important to keep an eye out for these warning signs. If you detect any, getting a professional assessment is crucial to understand how serious the problem is and how much it will cost to fix it.
Water Quality and Plumbing Systems
Testing the water quality is a critical step when buying a home, whether the property uses a private well or a municipal water supply. Contaminants in drinking water can lead to dangerous health risks, and the CDC estimates that at least 1.1 million Americans get sick each year from waterborne germs. It's important to have the water tested to ensure it’s safe. (5)
In addition, check the plumbing system for any potential issues, such as lead pipes, old materials, or signs of corrosion. Searching for leaks, water stains, blocked drains, or low water pressure can also help reveal hidden problems that might require attention.
Radon Detection
Radon is an odorless, colorless gas that poses a huge health risk in homes, as it's a primary cause of lung cancer next to smoking. Because it's invisible and can't be detected by smell, testing for radon is the only way to know if it’s present at dangerous levels. Including a radon test in your home inspection process is essential, particularly in regions known for elevated radon levels. If high levels are detected, a mitigation system can be put in place to lower the gas levels.
Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detection
Having dependable smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home is crucial for safety. Modern standards recommend installing interconnected carbon monoxide detectors on every floor, ensuring that if one alarm is triggered, all will sound, giving you a better chance to react quickly. Smoke detectors can warn you about potential fires, while carbon monoxide alarms are crucial for detecting this dangerous, odorless gas that can lead to serious health issues or even fatalities.
Before you finalize your home purchase, ensure that these smoke alarm systems are correctly installed and operational. Replacing outdated smoke alarms or adding missing detectors is a small yet significant investment in safeguarding your family from fire and carbon monoxide hazards.
Security Systems and Access Points
Home security goes beyond just preventing break-ins; it’s about ensuring a safe environment for you and your family. Begin by assessing all entry points, including windows, doors, and garage doors. Ensure that locks and safety latches are robust, door frames are reinforced, and there are no vulnerabilities that intruders could exploit.
To enhance protection, think about installing window guards on easily accessible ground-level windows. These window guards can deter unauthorized entry while still allowing for fresh air and natural light. If necessary, consider upgrading to smart home security systems that bring added features like motion sensors, cameras, or remote monitoring to further bolster your home’s security.
Key Takeaway
A thorough home safety assessment before purchasing a property isn't just a precaution – it's an investment in your family's well-being and financial security. By including these crucial safety aspects in your home safety checklist, you're protecting yourself from potentially dangerous and costly issues down the line. While some safety upgrades might seem expensive initially, they're far less costly than dealing with emergencies or health issues that could arise from overlooking these essential checks.
References:
- “Rate of unintentional-injury-related deaths at home in the United States from 1930 to 2022”, Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/526283/timeline-death-rate-injury-related-at-home-in-us/
- “Asbestos”, Source: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asbestos
- “How Much Does Asbestos Testing Cost? [2024 Data]”, Source: https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-asbestos-test-cost.htm
- “Home Electrical Fires”, Source: https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/electrical-fires
- “Drinking Water Facts and Stats”, Source: https://www.cdc.gov/drinking-water/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
