Lead-based paint in the home can be a serious danger. If the home was built before 1978, the chances are high that lead-based paint was used. Prior to 1960, the lead content of many brands of paint was even higher. Lead from paint, including lead-contaminated dust is one of the leading causes of lead poisoning.

Facts About Lead-Based Paint In Your Home

• Lead-based paint can be hidden under layers of newer paint. When the lead based paint deteriorates, it can cause cracking, chipping and peeling of all paint layers that is hazardous for your family.
• Lead-based paint is especially hazardous in areas where painted surfaces might rub together and cause dust, such as windows and door frames.
• Lead-based paint is more hazardous in high traffic areas like doorways, windows, stairs, bannisters, railings, porches and patios.
• Lead can show up in household dust due to deterioration of lead-based paint or from painted surfaces rubbing together, like when opening a window.
• Lead-based paint is a danger outside as well as inside. When used on the exterior of the home and other structures (garages or sheds), it can deteriorate and contaminate the soil around the structure. This can then be tracked into your home on shoes or blown in by wind.
• Repairs, renovations and painting can disturb old lead-based paint, causing toxic dust when any painted surface is disturbed or demolished.

What to do About Lead-Based Paint?

Some recommendations state that if the lead-based paint is in good condition, to leave it alone and just make sure to dust thoroughly and often. Most people who are buying a home with lead-based paint don’t want to take the risk of contamination. The best option is to have a professional who deals with remediating homes with lead-based paint come in and completely remove all of the paint in the home before you move yourself or any of your belongings in. Stay out of the home while the professionals do their work of safely stripping away the lead-based paint and repainting with modern safer options. It is especially important to avoid exposing children and pregnant women to lead-based paint and contaminated dust.

While you won’t find lead-based paint in homes built after 1980 (in most cases), older homes can still have lead-based paint. If your inspector finds that your new home has lead-based paint that hasn’t been removed and replaced, prepare yourself for the cost of professionally removing that lead paint and having the home repainted – possibly inside and outside. Lead-based paint simply isn’t worth the risk of lead poisoning.

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When buying a newly constructed home, many people question whether they need a home inspection.  After all, the home is brand new and no one else has lived there before. That doesn’t mean there might not be defects or issues with the construction that will need to be fixed before the sale is completed.  Just because a home looks flawless and new doesn’t mean there aren’t issues under the surface.

Common New Construction Defects Found During Home Inspections

There are a number of common defects inspectors find in newly constructed homes. Sometimes those defects are due to shabby builders and sometimes the issues found are simply overlooked by the builders. Here is a list of the most common issues found during an inspection of a new construction home.

• Window leaks or gaps
• Insufficient insulation within walls
• Problems with drainage and grading outside the home – can lead to water damage along the foundation later on
• HVAC issues – unsealed ducts, loose connections and improperly functioning thermostat(s)
• Electrical concerns – missing switch plates, open grounds, improper wiring and incorrectly wired outlets
• Incomplete projects – missing handrails, missing hardware and half-completed tasks
• Plumbing defects – improper piping, leaking pipes or connections, leaking faucets, sewer drainage problems and reversed hot/cold hookups
• Structural defects – poor framing, cracks in foundation, roofing defects, poor attic ventilation and incomplete attic insulation
• Missing or partially-completed exterior structures – walkways, decks, patios and porches

Buying a newly constructed home is exciting. Everything is brand new and often with your specific choices and design aesthetic included in the build. Just because it is a new construction doesn’t mean it can’t or won’t have defects that could be costly to fix later down the line. No matter whether your new home was just built or is 100 years old, it’s always important to have a home inspection.

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When a home inspector is coming to inspect your home, there are a number of ways you can prepare ahead of time to make sure the inspection goes as smoothly and quickly as possible. Here are 11 tips to prepare for a home inspection that is free of distractions or hassle.

1. Remove pets. This is particularly true of dogs but keep in mind that the inspector will be reviewing every room and every area, including crawl spaces, attics, water heater closets and other areas you would not want your pet to hide in. If you can have your dogs visit a friend and kitties in a crate or other secure area, that is best and safest for both your pets and the inspector.

2. Find a sitter for children. Young children need a lot of attention and can be very distracting. Children can also attempt to access crawl spaces and other areas you would not want them in. The best bet is for young children to be visiting friends or at a sitter’s house during the inspection.

3. Shut down and unplug any sensitive electronics. Things like computers, televisions, tablets and other electronics can be sensitive to power fluctuations. The inspector will be checking the breakers and electrical system of the home so it is best to shut down and unplug these items to protect them from possible power fluctuations.

4. Clear away storage from key areas the inspector will need to access, including the attic, basement and garage. First, make sure the attic access way is open and clear for the inspector to get into the attic. Secondly, make sure storage is moved inside the attic so that the inspector can move around and see all of the walls clearly. In the basement and garage, make sure storage is moved to give a clear view of all walls and any drain areas to inspect for any leaks or cracks.

5. Move all items away from the electric panel. If you have storage or other items near or in front of the electrical panel, be sure to remove them from the area as the inspector will be checking the electrical panel and will need unencumbered access. Note: Make sure electric service to the home is on and electrical panel is on inside the home.

6. Remove storage and items from around the furnace and hot water heater. Not only is storing anything in these areas a fire hazard, the inspector will need to be able to inspect fully around these units without items in the way. Note: Make sure the water heater is turned on and operating normally.

7. Make sure the water is turned on to the home. The inspector will be testing faucets, appliances and inspecting plumbing for leaks, which requires the water service to be on and running. Ensure the main connection outside is on and the water switch inside the home is on as well.

8. Clean and remove dishes from the sink and the dishwasher. The inspector will be checking the drains and any appliances that use water in the kitchen such as the dishwasher and the garbage disposal.

9. Clear clothing from the clothes washer and dryer to allow the inspector to fully inspect the interior of the machines and their operation.

10. Replace dirty air filters in your HVAC system. The inspector will be checking this system and testing its operation. Making sure the filter is clean allows the inspector to better evaluate the HVAC system’s operation.

11. Replace all light bulbs that are burned out or not working with fresh bulbs both inside and outside. A bulb that isn’t working could simply be a blown bulb or a sign of a more serious electrical issue with the light fixture. This would require the inspector to either note the light fixture as possibly malfunctioning or spend extra time investigating. Save time and hassle for everyone by having all burned out bulbs changed out and working before the inspection.

A home inspection is a very thorough review of all of the home’s systems, structures and mechanical elements. It’s important to prepare for your inspection by creating easy access to areas the inspector will need to review and minimizing distractions of pets and children during the inspection so you (or your buyer) can get valuable information and make the most of the home inspection.

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When buying a new home, one of the most important steps of the process is the home inspection. The home inspection is a full evaluation of the condition of the home and also a chance for you, as the new potential owner, to learn as much about your new home as possible. We’ve compiled a list of the 15 most important questions to ask during your home inspection.

1. What are the credentials and experience of the home inspector?
Before you even get started, make sure you’re working with an experienced, licensed professional.

2. How is the electrical system?
Faulty wiring is one of the top causes of house fires.

3. How is the plumbing?
Plumbing leaks can result in mold growth. Also, certain types of plumbing materials are prone to breakage and leaking, such as polybutylene piping.

4. What is the condition of the roof?
Replacing or repairing a roof is a costly expense to have in the immediate future. A leaking roof creates risk for water damage and mold growth.

5. How is the HVAC system?
Poorly maintained HVAC systems are a common problem found in home inspections and are costly to repair or replace.

6. Any signs of mice, termites, other infestation or mold?
If so, an inspector specialized in looking for these issues might need to perform a separate inspection for you.

7. How well is the home insulated?
A poorly insulated home can have poor energy efficiency, costing you extra money on your utility bill.

8. Do any of the trees on the property pose a future hazard to the home, particularly during tropical storms or hurricanes?
High winds can down trees and cause damage to your home.

9. Where is the water main shut-off?
This is an essential thing to know about your home in the event of a leak or flood inside.

10. Where is the main electrical shut-off for the home?
This is an essential thing to know about your home in case of electrical fire, electrical repairs or other electrical incidents where the power to your home needs to be completely shut off.

11. Where is the gas shut-off?
If your home is equipped with gas, you’ll want to know where the shut-off is in an emergency or during a repair.

12. Are there any hurricane-proof features on/in the home?
Some homes could have special features to protect from hurricane damage, such as hurricane shutters.

13. Which repair is the most serious/most urgent?
If repairs are necessary, chat with your inspector about which are the most serious and in need of repair first.

14. Who would you recommend?
Whether you need a more thorough termite inspection, air quality inspection, systems maintenance or even just a handyman, your inspector should have a list of referrals he can make for more advanced types of inspections, repairs and maintenance issues. Home inspectors only refer companies and providers that they know do the job right. Your inspector can be a great resource for the right professionals to deal with any issues that turn up during your inspection.

Going into a home inspection can feel a little overwhelming. Feel free to ask plenty of questions. Your home inspector wants you to know as much about the home as possible so that you can make a sound buying decision. These 14 most important questions to ask can give you a good checklist to work with but be sure to ask questions as they come up and get clarification as needed.

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