If you purchase a home without first having a new home inspection, you become financially responsible for any existing problems or hazards. An inspection before closing can reveal a number of issues that will let you renegotiate the terms or back out of the sale. Below are some of the hazards you might uncover by hiring a home inspector.

5 Hazards Revealed by a New Home Inspection 

1. Lead Paint

If the home was built before 1978, there is a significant chance it contains lead-based paint. Lead is a toxic metal, and paint containing lead can lead to dangerous opportunities for exposure. This is especially true if the paint is flaking or peeling. Repeated exposure can lead to numbness in the extremities, fatigue, constipation, headaches, cramps, kidney dysfunction, and even death.

2. Carbon Monoxide 

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, flavorless, and odorless toxic gas produced when fuels are burned incompletely. You can have a carbon monoxide alarm installed in your home to detect for the gas. The buildup of carbon monoxide can occur in a home when a furnace isn't working properly, and if the home does not have proper ventilation. A new home inspection will reveal high concentrations of this poison or potential risks of it through furnace activity.

3. Radon

Radon is a radioactive gas that results in about 20,000 deaths per year. It is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. It is produced by the natural breakdown of trace amounts of uranium in the soil, water, and rock surrounding the home.

4. Mold 

Mold arises in dark, moist environments like attics and basements. Mold spores cause symptoms of allergies, including itching, sneezing, skin rash, watery eyes, and respiratory difficulty. It can be difficult and expensive to remove, so it's important to hire a new home inspection before purchasing a property so that you aren't stuck with costly mitigation. 

5. Termites

Termites cause billions of dollars in property damage in the U.S. each year, with the average cost of repairs at about $3,000. These insects burrow into a home's wooden beams and devour the cellulose inside. Their activity weakens the structure, and their waste can cause allergic reactions in household occupants.

To schedule a new home inspection before you close on a property sale, contact A-Pro® Home Inspection Services in Denver, CO. Their certified home inspectors have served the Greater Denver area for more than 25 years. They also specialize in radon testing and mold inspection. Visit their website to learn about their guarantees or call (303) 875-7627 to arrange a consultation.