Buying a home is a huge investment — both emotionally and financially. So, it’s important to do your due diligence before making such a big purchase. Part of that process should include getting a home inspection and ordering a home appraisal. But what about getting a health evaluation?
It might not be something you think of right away, but having a professional come in and evaluate the health of your potential new home is a smart move. After all, you want to ensure the air you’re breathing is clean and that there are no hidden mold or asbestos problems.
This blog post will explore the importance of getting a health evaluation when buying a home and what you can expect from the process. But first, let’s take a look at some of the common health hazards you might encounter in a home.
Common Health Hazards in Homes
There are a number of potential health hazards that can be present in homes, both old and new. Some of the most common include:
Mold: Mold is a type of fungi that can grow indoors on moist surfaces, like walls, ceilings, and floors. mold can cause a number of health problems, including respiratory issues, headaches, and skin irritation.
Asbestos: Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once used in a variety of building materials. While it’s no longer used in new construction, it can still be found in older homes. Asbestos exposure can lead to lung cancer and other respiratory illnesses.
Lead: Lead is a metal that was once used in paint, pipes, and other household items. While lead-based paint was banned in 1978, homes built before that may still have it present. Lead exposure can cause learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and other health issues.
Now that you know a little about some of the common health hazards in homes, let’s take a look at why getting a health evaluation is so important.
Why Should You Get a Health Evaluation When Buying a Home?
There are a number of reasons why you should get a health evaluation when buying a home. Here are just a few:
To Ensure the Air You’re Breathing Is Clean
With a health evaluation, a professional will come in and test the air quality in your potential new home. They’ll be able to identify any pollutants that might be present and make recommendations on how to improve the air quality. This is especially important if you or anyone in your family suffers from allergies or asthma.
To Have Peace of Mind
Let’s face it, buying a home is a stressful process. There’s a lot of paperwork to fill out and deadlines to meet. So, it’s understandable if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed. But by getting a health evaluation, you can have peace of mind knowing that your potential new home is safe and healthy for your family.
To Avoid Costly Repairs Down the Road
If there are any health hazards present in your potential new home, a health evaluation will identify them. This way, you can make repairs before moving in and avoid costly problems down the road. Also, if you’re buying an older home, a health evaluation can give you an idea of what updates need to be made to bring it up to current health and safety standards.
What to Expect From a Health Evaluation?
When you get a health evaluation, a professional will come to your potential new home and inspect it for any health hazards. They’ll take samples of the air, water, and soil to test for pollutants. They may also take pictures or videos of the property to document any problems.
Once the inspection is complete, you’ll get a report that outlines any health hazards that were found and what needs to be done to fix them. This report will be helpful when it comes time to negotiate with the seller.
Where to Find a Health Evaluator?
If you’re in the market for a new home, be sure to ask your qualified real estate agent about health evaluations. They can put you in touch with a professional who can perform the evaluation. Your agent will also be able to advise you on what to do if any health hazards are found. So make sure you ask about health evaluations before you sign on the dotted line.
There you go! Now you know a little bit more about why health evaluations are so important when buying a home. Remember, they can help you avoid costly repairs and ensure that your family is moving into a safe and healthy environment. So, don’t forget to ask your agent about getting a health evaluation before making an offer on your new home.
