A lot of first-time home buyers take it for granted that the house they buy will be safe. But how can you be sure that it won’t go up like a tinderbox the first time you plug in the toaster? If it isn’t in your contract when purchasing a home it isn’t guaranteed, so as a first-time home buyer you’re going to have to look out for your own self. Here’s some simple things you can do when purchasing a home to make sure you aren’t acquiring a hellish death trap.
One obvious that a first-time home buyer will want to look for when purchasing a home is making sure that the various safety detectors are present and working. New homes should be equipped with fire and carbon monoxide detectors. One more that should be installed is a radon detector. CO is a gas that is deadly in very small quantities, and radon can inflict lasting damage even in small doses so be sure to cover yourself.
Another thing the first-time home buyer may not think about is mold. Various molds being present in a home can be a nuisence at best and deadly at the very worst, so keep it in mind. Check for signs of mold in places where moisture would be common such as basements, kitchens and baths or around windows. If you are still unsure, you can have a professional check before purchasing a home to make certain it is free of mold.
Checking the electrical equipment is another thing that is crucial when purchasing a home. The first-time home buyer should look at the circuit box to make sure it has been updated from fuses to circuit breakers. Before purchasing a home, make sure that the electrical main is equipped to handle at least 150 amps. Older homes may only have 100 or even 50 amp services, this will not be safe when newer appliances are connected. When purchasing a home, the first-time home owner will want a house that is either up to electrical codes or can be brought up to code.
When purchasing a home it is also important to look at the environment outside the home. The first-time home buyer should look for signs of crime in the neighborhood that could end up being a threat to the family. Be aware that homes in flood zones are susceptible to potentially deadly floods, and that a house near a tectonic plate fault will be prone to earthquakes. Home buyers in the Midwest should know that that area of the country gets routinely pelted by tornadoes every year. Choose a location that is least likely to get you or your family killed.
The easiest and surest way a first-time home buyer can know that their new home is safe having it inspected. A certified professional can look the entire house over and tell you whether or not you are purchasing a home that is danger-free. For a small fee, an inspector will give the house’s electrical, plumbing and foundation a look along with much more. An inspection will have the first-time home buyer sleeping soundly knowing that they are purchasing a home that is safe.
