Selecting A Home Carefully
There are many things to think about when you are choosing a home for the first time
. One of the things you should definitely think about in your new home is the environment and area that it is in.
It surprising how many people fail to think about what the traffic near the house will be like during other times of the day or whether a nearby train track will bother them. The amount of pollution in the area is also a major concern.
While farming communities may seem ideal because they are out of the city and you will not have to deal with as much car pollution, you should think about the effect that pesticides may have on your family.
Pesticides are not only used on farms, but on golf courses, in areas with mosquito problems, roadsides, or even by your neighbors. You will also want to think about how much smoke may produced from neighboring burn piles or wood stoves if that is the main source of heat in the area.
In addition, high power lines, radio, TV, and microwave towers can provide threats to your home as well. Another area that often escapes inspection is the foundation of the home.
You will want to make sure that rain water does not pool next to the foundation in any areas. Rot and insect infestation should also be checked for as these can be expensive to repair and get rid of.
Mold can also be a serious problem, especially if someone tried to fix water pooling by piling dirt next to the side of the home. Check to make sure that you can access the underside of the house by a crawl space or basement.
Be sure to look for water marks that may show signs of flooding or back drains during certain parts of the year. A smell of dampness of moldiness can also be a sign of problems in the home.
Even areas that are normally sunny, dry and warm can have mold problems. After you have checked the foundation of the home, be sure to check the roof.
The best and most durable roofs are sloped metal, but they are not very attractive either and they look cheap. If metal is not present, single ply membranes such as brai or Proply, are much better than tar and gravel.
Try to avoid purchasing a home that has a roof made out of tar and gravel. Or try to negotiate for a lower price or get the homeowner to replace the roof before you move in.
The kitchen is another area that you should carefully check out. If anyone in your family is sensitive to chemicals, you will want to find a home with an electric oven.
However, newer gas stoves with electronic ignition may not be a problem either. The older pilot light systems tended to cause some allergic problems for some people.
Of course, it is an absolute must that the oven has a vent or hood. It is dangerous to not have a vent next to your stove.
In addition, you should have at least one window you can open in the kitchen. This is necessary for when you accidentally burn something and you need to let a lot of smoke out of your home quickly.
Cabinets of solid wood or metal are generally the best, even though wood is considered to be the most aesthetically pleasing. Pressboard cabinets are absolutely the worst thing you could have and they should be avoided due to chemicals contained in the wood.
Concrete or wood floors that are sealed with non-toxic sealer or presealed tile tend to be the cleanest and safest for families. You do not want to have to deal with mold under the sink or around the dishwasher either so be sure to check these things.
In addition, check for mold all around the bathroom. There should be a vent in the bathroom that helps prevent the collection of moisture.
It should also operate at a minimum of 100 cubic feet per minute. You will also want to have a window that you can open and vent moisture through as well.
The cabinets in the bathroom should be the same as the kitchen, but they should be clear of any mold damage. In addition, missing or cracked grout around the tub, sinks, toilet, and so forth should be checked for as these cracks may house a growing problem of dry rot or mold.
by: Jack Landry
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