Looking for the Invisible

When you hear the term "home inspection," you're likely to think of the electrical system, plumbing, roof and foundation, and smaller items like cracked windows or drafty doors. However, it's the elements in the home that cannot be seen that demand special attention on the part of buyers and sellers and the inspector they choose.

First, there's radon, a colorless and odorless gas that seeps up from the ground and has been labeled as a cause of cancer. Any home, but particularly those with basements, should be tested for high levels of this gas.

Next is asbestos, a fibrous material once used for insulation, but banned in 1985. Homes built before then should be tested, and care should be exercised not to disturb this material when remodeling these older homes.

Another threat is lead, a toxic metal that was widely used in paint, pipes, and other materials. Any home built before 1978 should be tested for its presence, and any lender offering HUD-insured mortgages will require a lead-safe certification for these older structures.

Another culprit is groundwater contamination, a particular concern for homes with older septic systems or underground oil tanks, or homes near industrial facilities. Also search for hazardous products stored in and around the home, making certain that they are removed before transfer of the property to new owners. Be smart and be safe!