Regarded as an old American tradition, buying a home is something many people have in the back of their minds for a long period of time.
Gradually saving up for a down payment and taking the proper steps, when at last, you feel you are ready to make one of the most important decisions in your life. It may not be completely clear, but the first steps in the home buying process are important to the success and enjoyment during this process.
Newly bought homes are often remodeled and repairs may be needed. Having the assistance of an experienced real estate investment expert or agent can make all the difference in the many steps that lead to home ownership.
Many homes or buildings built before 1980 may still contain asbestos or old corrosive building materials. This should not make you overly concerned, because asbestos exposure is easily avoidable by taking simple precautions. Many green, Eco-friendly alternatives are available which not only provide a safe and health method of insulation, they can even help in reducing annual energy costs.
Tips and Prevention
Naturally-occurring mineral, asbestos was utilized in a variety of construction applications throughout the 20th century. Due to its flame resistant, highly durable and inexpensive qualities, it became the ideal choice for manufacturers as a form of insulation, piping, brake lining and flooring.
If any asbestos is located in the home, most experts suggest to just leave it alone and undisturbed. Asbestos that is not deteriorated and left alone will almost always not pose any risks. The best action may be no action at all. When its fibers are disturbed and become airborne, it can be a cause for concern.
If a home inspector suggests removal is necessary, it must be performed by a licensed abatement contractor who is trained and equipped in handling hazardous materials. They can perform the removal in public facilities, homes and work places.
Exposure to damaged asbestos can cause a rare but severe lung ailment known as mesothelioma. Accounting for three percent of cancer diagnoses in the U.S. each year, diagnosis of these forms of asbestos lung cancer has been a difficult task because mesothelioma symptoms are so similar to other, less serious conditions.
Going GREEN in the home
Living in the 21st century, there is a renewed importance towards environmental sustainability, green construction and lowering your carbon footprint. Many realtors have understood this important aspect of our lives and can greatly assist clients in achieving a green home.
Utilizing Eco-friendly methods of building and insulation can have many environmental, economic and health benefits, including enhancement of air quality, improvement of pulmonary health, increase property value and reduction of energy costs. Currently, many cities in the U.S. have created lumberyards which re-store where you can purchase recycled building materials that are authentically strong and inexpensive.
The use of cotton fiber, lcynene foam and cellulose are viable alternatives that possess many of its superior qualities without the toxicity. Cotton fiber is becoming a favorite insulation method. Made from recycled batted material, it is then treated to be fireproof. Water based spray polyurethane foam, lcynene, is a healthy insulation which contains no toxic components.
The United Nations Environmental Program states that the use of these recycled building materials, on top of the installation of energy saving appliances and the maximization of natural lighting in a building, can reduce energy use energy use by 25 percent.
Filed under: real estate | Tagged: asbestos, eco-friendly, green home
