Testing Potential Dangers in a House

When purchasing a home, you have the right to have a home inspection done. You do not have a right to certain testing, unless it's written in and agreed upon in the accepted offer. Some testing you might know beforehand, some the home inspector might recommend. These common tests are:

1) Radon
2) Lead
3) Asbestos
4) Mold

RADON is a colorless, odorless gas that seeps into the home from the ground, such as from a basement. There are radon mitigation systems to remove the gas from the home.

LEAD based paint was used prior to 1978, and can contribute to many health problems. A buyer, when submitting an offer, will need to either ask for the right to have this tested, or must waive their right to testing. There is a separate form that must accompany an offer to purchase on all homes built prior to 1978.

ASBESTOS This fibrous material was very popular in building materials but was banned in 1985. It is still found in many homes. Asbestos is dangerous when it's been disturbed, causing fine dust particles to enter the air.

MOLD The opinions vary greatly. Mold needs water and dampness to grow, and finding the source of the leak is something the home inspector can try to do.