Pennsylvania in general has a large inventory of older homes - both in our rural regions and in the larger cities. What should you watch out for when buying an older home here in Pennsylvania?
1. LEAD - Homes built prior to the year 1978 are at risk of having lead contamination in the paint, plumbing, dust and soil. If a seller knows that there is lead on the premises (he or she had a test in the past and knows the results) then they must disclose that to you prior to the purchase. But many sellers have never tested their properties for lead and so may have no knowledge of lead dangers that exist.
As the buyer, you can order lead tests to be performed. We rarely see these tests, to be honest, but they do exist and you may ask for them as part of your due diligence.
Read more information at the EPA's lead information page.
2. MOLD - Anywhere there is water to be found on the premises, you may find a friendly home for mold to grow. This includes damp bathrooms, wet basements and leaky roofs. Look for obvious signs of mold on ceiling tiles, around leaky windows and on wet drywall. If you are allergic to mold or have asthma, being exposed to mold can be even more dangerous.
As with lead, you can ask for a mold test prior to purchasing a house. Even if you don't see obvious signs of mold visible to the naked eye, a mold test may find contamination in the air. Mold caused by water infiltration needs to be remediated by a professional.
The CDC has a good site discussing mold cleanup after a natural disaster such as a flood, and the EPA also has information about mold and moisture in your home.
3. ASBESTOS - Prior to 1980, asbestos is a mineral fiber that was commonly used as insulation and in roofing, flooring and siding. Asbestos is dangerous when it is broken apart and damaged, as the asbestos fibers become airborne and can cause lung cancer and other health issues.
Asbestos should be remediated by professionals. Ripping it apart or trying to take it off of old pipes can cause more even more damage and make it airborne. Do not attempt to remove asbestos on your own. The best thing you can do with undamaged asbestos is leave it alone.
With lead, mold and asbestos you should hire a qualified remediator to remove the dangerous substances. Consult a professional.
Posted by Ramus Realty Group on
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