Are you in the market for real estate? It’s such an exciting time, full of thrills, excitement, wonder and a little bit of anxiety (if we’re honest). Finding a place to call home is part of the great Australian dream.
It’s a place to live, love, raise children and enjoy life with those closest to you. A place to wind down after a long day at the office, or on the tools.
But when looking at real estate, there are some signs that a property may not be safe. In this useful blog, we’re going to share six safety signs to watch out for when purchasing a home.
Loose Wires or Bad Wiring
Any loose wires, exposed wires or signs of bad wiring are a major warning sign. You’ll need to engage an electrician in Glen Waverley to inspect the home for electrical safety before bidding or putting in an offer.
Electrical faults can be super expensive to repair, but can also be extremely hazardous. They can cause house fires or electrocution.
This is the major safety warning sign you need to look out for when house shopping.
Asbestos
If you’re looking for an older home in Australia there is a chance that it could be riddled with asbestos.
Asbestos was a common insulation material used in the construction of homes in Australia in the 60s and 70s. This means that many older homes still contain asbestos.
This material is extremely hazardous if disturbed, and can result in a deadly illness called mesothelioma.
Again, this is something a pre-purchase inspection should pick up, so always do your due diligence.
Old Gas Heaters
Certain models of older gas heaters present a major carbon monoxide poisoning risk.
This has been in the media of late, and there are government campaigns to advertise the risk.
If you’re inspecting a home and see an older model gas heater, enquire if it has been inspected for safety and carbon monoxide leaks.
Keep in mind that if it is unsafe, you will need to have it removed and replaced if you move in.
Pools and Fencing
If the home you are looking at and considering purchasing has a pool, you need to consider if the pool is safe.
Under the law, a pool in a backyard must have a high fence around it, and the gate must be secured by a latch lock.
If you have young children, this is an essential safety tip.
Unfortunately, not all pools have the correct safety fencing or any fencing at all.
Working Fire Alarms
Every dwelling in Australia should have hard-wired, working fire alarms.
These are life-saving devices that will alert you and your family in the case of a fire.
If the property doesn’t have fire alarms or only a single fire alarm, it is unsafe. This means you’ll need to have them installed if you buy the house.
Verandahs and Balconies
Raised verandahs and balconies can be a safety hazard if they are structurally unsound. Verandahs have been known to collapse under too much weight, causing serious injury or even death.
Again, engage a qualified building inspector to carry out a thorough inspection of these structures, to ensure they are safe for everyday use.
Conclusions
In this article, we’ve outlined six essential safety signs to watch out for when purchasing real estate. Look out for bad wiring or loose wires, and any asbestos. Old gas heaters can be dangerous, and if the property has a pool it needs a lockable gate and fence. Ensure the home has working, hard-wired fire alarms. Finally, any verandahs or raised balconies need to be assessed for safety.
