Buying a fixer upper home can be a fun project to take on as you can make changes to make the home perfect for you. Because the home is a fixer upper, however, you should inspect things to ensure it is safe for you to live in. Two things you should start out with is to check the home for mold, as well as check the electrical wiring. Below is some more information about this so you can get moved into your new home:
Mold
Walk around the home and inspect walls, ceilings, and flooring. The bathroom is the first room you should start in, as water is the perfect breeding ground for mold. If you see mold in this room this is a sign that there may also be mold in the rest of the home.
The next room to check is the basement, if there is one, as it is a dark place and if there is any kind of humidity mold will grow there. Check the attic because if there are any kind of roof leaks you will find mold there also.
If you find the home does have mold, hire a company to do a mold inspection of your entire home. They will use a test kit to determine the type of mold you have. They can find mold in places you would not know where to look. For example, they will check behind wallpaper and behind walls. They have special equipment that they use to detect mold.
This is important as mold can be dangerous for you and your family, especially if there is anyone who has allergies.
Electrical Wiring
Hire an electrician to check the electrical wiring in the home. If you have wiring that is frayed or burned-out this is a fire risk. The electrician will check the circuit breaker box to determine how old the circuit breakers are. They will also look at the wiring inside the box. If they find the breakers and wiring are very old, they will suggest that you replace everything. This is expensive but well worth it as it will keep you and your family safe.
The electrician will look for outdated wiring in your home, as well as check wiring and components to ensure they are all in good condition. They will check all electrical plugs as well as wiring you cannot see, such as behind walls and in your ceiling. The electrician may check the smoke detectors to ensure they are working properly, as well as any other type of detectors, such as carbon monoxide.
Once the electrician is finished inside they will check the electrical wiring outside your home. For example, the home likely has exterior plugs and may have landscape lighting wiring and connections installed.
Contact a company that offers home inspections for mold for more information and assistance.
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