Why Home Inspections Matter: Where does radon come from?

Radon can enter a home in any place it can find an opening where the house is in contact with the ground, which is concerning to many homeowners in Calgary. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive noble gas that is found in the soil. In our previous blogs, we’ve discussed what can cause radon in a house and what a safe radon level is. Home inspections are a great way to find out your radon levels, but some may still be wondering where radon actually comes from.

In this article, we’ll be exploring where radon comes from and the best way to mediate this harmful gas.

What is radon?

To recap quickly, radon is an invisible gas that forms in the crust of the earth. It rises from the ground and can get trapped in structures like your home or commercial buildings. Exposure to high levels of radon is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Radon can get trapped in your home through cracks in the foundation walls or floor slabs, construction joints, gaps around service pipes, support posts, window easements, floor drains, sumps or cavities inside the wall.

Where does radon gas come from?

Radon is constantly being generated by the radium in rocks, soil and water. Materials that are made from these rocks and soil, which can include some building materials, can contain radon too. Now the important part to keep in mind when it comes to radon in your home is that the concentration of radon is dependent on the type of soil your home is built on. Things such as cracks, opening and other penetrations in your home’s foundation will allow a pathway for radon to enter your home. The ventilation and air flow patterns in your home will be an important factor that affects how much radon can be pulled into different areas within your home.

Radon can also be dissolved into ground water and can be introduced into the air through aeration of well water during its use in things such as washing machines, showers, and other appliances like this. But generally, this aeration component is relatively small when compared to the amount of radon that can enter the home from the soil.

In Conclusion

No matter the age, type of construction or where your home is located, all homes in Canada do have radon in them. The only way to be sure of radon level in your home is to have it tested. The best way to prevent and help mediate the hazardous effects of radon is to get your home inspected.

Integra Inspection Services is the leading provider of home inspection services throughout Calgary. Our commitment to our clients is evident by our honest and thorough Calgary home inspections. Our service is available for residential buildings, including homes, townhouses, and condos. Whether you are a buyer, seller, or a realtor, we conduct complete home inspections to determine if your property has any structural flaws and to prevent future costly repairs. Our Calgary home inspections include infrared thermal imagine on every inspection for an accurate, detailed inspection. For all of your home inspection or commercial property assessment needs, we can help. Schedule your inspection with Integra Inspection Services.

Even if you’re not planning to sell your home anytime soon, it’s good to have a pre-listing home inspection done. A pre-listing home inspection will allow you to make any necessary repairs, updates, and minor renovations prior to putting your house on the market. Hiring a qualified Calgary home inspector can save you a lot of time, money, and stress.

What are the Benefits of Pre-Listing Home Inspections?

Enhance Your Curb Appeal

Even if you’re not putting your house on the market for several months, there is no reason to let it go to waste. You won’t get more money for your house by neglecting to make necessary repairs and improvements. A good home inspector will point out areas in your home that can be improved and updated to make it more attractive to potential buyers. The inspector may also recommend fixes you hadn’t considered as important to its marketability.

Gain an Advantage Over Other Sellers

By having a pre-listing home inspection done, you’ll be ahead of the game when it comes time for selling your home. Your inspector will point out any needed repairs and renovations and provide suggestions for potential buyers. The result is a house that’s more attractive to those looking to buy real estate in Calgary. Having a professional inspection report puts sellers on the level of motivated sellers.

Save Money

An inspection prior to putting your house on the market will help avoid costly repairs required as a part of closing a deal. By identifying any potential problems before presenting your home to potential buyers, you can save money by addressing these problems way in advance. The inspector may also have suggestions on making repairs more cost-effectively, which can result in a lower sale price for your home.

Trouble Spots Prelisting Home Inspections Help to Avoid

Unnecessary Repairs and Renovations

When you get ready to put your house on the market, it’s easy to get carried away with unnecessary renovations. Instead of spending extra money on upgrades that won’t attract buyers, address any major problems that may need to be repaired or renovated. On the other hand, you don’t want to get carried away by making unnecessary fixes.

Some buyers prefer houses without renovations so they can do them themselves or choose their own contractors if needed. An inspection well ahead of time allows you to prioritize renovations.

Potential Problems with Closing Deals

If your realtor is proactive, they might insist on getting the results of a prelisting home inspection before agreeing to sell the place. It really is win-win. It can help you avoid costly issues at closing by providing you with the opportunity to address any problems before they cause significant concerns about the listing price. Fixing these problems on your own won’t cost nearly as much as emergency repairs required at closing the deal.

Potential Legal Problems

If you neglect to address needed repairs and renovations upon selling your house, it can lead to legal problems. For instance, if the home inspector finds an issue with the roof and you didn’t disclose this information to potential buyers or their inspectors, there is a chance that the buyers will cancel the conditional sale. Further, malfeasance or negligence are remote possibilities, but having a pre listing home inspection report could safeguard you from significant legal exposure in those cases.

Pre-listing home inspections offer a number of benefits for those looking to sell their homes. You can improve your home’s curb appeal, gain an advantage over other sellers, and avoid potential legal problems by having an inspection done. You can also save money on repairs and renovations by addressing any major issues identified by the inspector. Additionally, pre-listing home inspections help avoid unnecessary repairs and renovations that potential buyers may not need. Call us your Calgary home inspector well before you list your home and make use of the one thing you can’t get when you’re selling your home: time.

Integra Inspections is a Home Inspection Company in Calgary that provides unbeatable service for home inspections. With over 15 years of experience and the latest technologies such as thermal imaging, you can count on Integra Home Inspections to get you the facts and have you ready for your next home!

When it’s time to buy or sell a home, one of the core steps in the process for both the buyer and the seller is to get a professional home inspection from a Calgary home inspector. Home inspections in Calgary are about more than just checking off a task on your to-do list. They’re about ensuring everyone is on the same page regarding the state of a property before a sale. But what exactly does a home inspection uncover?

In today’s post, we explore the main reasons why you get a home inspection in Calgary.

Benefits of Home Inspectors

To the untrained eye, Calgary home inspectors don’t do much other than walk through a home looking for problems to uncover to make sure a sale can go through. However, their work provides valuable insight for home buyers and sellers that can impact their decision-making process. Let’s take a look at why home inspections are important.

Uncover Structural Flaws

The structure of a home is one of the most important components of a home and is one of the top reasons to have a home inspection completed by a trusted Calgary home inspector when buying a home. By performing a home inspection, you can determine if there are any structural issues, and if so, whether or not you’re willing to take on the future costs of fixing those problems.

Forecast Future Expenses

Homes can be expensive to maintain, and there are always risks of stumbling upon unforeseen expenses. However, a home inspection in Calgary can help you forecast the potential for future costs. Take structural flaws as an example. Without the knowledge gained from a home inspection, you could end up buying a house that could have cracks in its walls within ten years. By performing a home inspection, you can avoid having large expenses in the future by identifying them today.

Help With Negotiations

If you’re buying a home, sending in a Calgary home inspector can even help you negotiate a lower price. If the home inspection uncovers previously unknown issues with a house, the sellers might have a tougher time finding a buyer than expected. That means you have the opportunity to leverage your willingness to buy the home as it stands to get a better deal.

Calgary Home Inspectors Bring Peace Of Mind

Perhaps the biggest benefit of all is the peace of mind you get from a home inspection. Buying a new home is expensive, and no one wants to buy a house without knowing what they’re getting into. Home inspections give you the knowledge and peace of mind that you need to enjoy your home to the fullest.

Are you buying a new home or planning to sell yours? Well, a home inspection in Calgary is a must. Having an expert take a look through all the parts of a home can guarantee if it’s’ worthwhile investment or if you have to make necessary repairs before selling.

But what do home inspectors check when working?

The answer is: a lot. So we’ve narrowed it down to a few key sections that they check while inspecting your home.

What do Calgary Home Inspectors Check?

A typical home inspector checklist consists of the following:

The Soil

Home inspectors always check your grounds and soils, which might seem like a strange choice. But it’s important to know if there are any current or future water issues such as faulty grading or downspouts, that can cause foundation problems later on.

The Foundation

Home inspections always consist of a foundation check of the home. They will look at current or potential issues that can arise from the foundation, such as if the homes are aligned and if the frames are holding firm.

The Roof

Roofs are pivotal for protecting the home while providing adequate cover when needed. As such, the Calgary home inspector will look at everything related to the roof, such as shingles, flashing, soffit and fascia, loose gutters; and defects in chimneys and skylights and so forth. They will also inspect the attic and see if there are any ventilation issues.

The Exterior of the Home

The likes of siding damages and cracks, windows and doors are always inspected from the outside in. This way, the home inspector can determine if there are any issues with ventilation, as well as ensure that the siding is not rotting or decaying quickly.

The Interior of the Home

When it comes to the inside of your home, Calgary home inspectors will be looking out for leaning walls, faulty framing, stained ceilings (which means a potential leak somewhere) and adequate insulation. All these factors are going to impact your everyday living and will cost you down the line if not repaired sooner or later.

Plumbing Systems

Inspectors will evaluate pipes, drains, water heaters, and water pressure and temperature throughout your home, particularly in wet areas (bathrooms, kitchens, laundry). They will look for water damage and to see how your system is holding up.

Electrical Systems

One wrong electrical connection can result in a fire, so it makes sense that the inspector will check your electricity. They will conduct tests and overlook outlets, visible wiring, electrical panels, light switches and the HVAC systems to ensure they work correctly.

This is a basic outline of what Calgary home inspectors will look when checking up on your property. Remember, that the checklist might be altered depending on the size, outlay and additional accessories that are part of your home.

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Selling your home is a big project. One of the nerve-wracking parts of the process is waiting to hear the results of the home inspection. Preparing beforehand can help relieve some of the anxiety and get your home in the best condition possible. Here are five simple ways to prepare for Calgary home inspections.

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Owning a home in Canada is a dream of many families living here. While home ownership brings a lot of joy and excitement, it can turn your dream into a nightmare, especially if your new home comes with hidden surprises. A home inspection can reveal hidden defects in a newly constructed home and save you money in the long term.
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