Makesure your home’s disasters. ing and appliances are in good shapeto avoid by Scott McGillivray (NAPSA)—Wethink of our homes as our haven from the world. In it, we house the people and things that we treasure most. In time, we might also undertake to expand or modify our ‘These can take many forms. Think knob-and-tube wiring, overloaded panels or cracked foundations. Lead paint. Older houses (pre1978) mayhave base coats oflead paint homes tobetter suit our needs through differentlife stages. Perhaps a previous beneath the newerones. Lead can cause harmful effects if ingested or inhaled as dust. Be careful to avoid raising dust if tages and serve as an opportunity to lead paint. homeis getting on in years. It’s also a good time to identify potential probJems in orderto ensure safety, comfort and performance. Here arefive things to ity. Radonis a particular concern.It’s a owner has done the same. Remodeling a house can provide significant advanmake things better, especially if your consider when remodeling: What's behind the walls? Do you know whattype ofinsulation exists or its current condition? Its worthwhile to find out. Some older homes contain outdated materials that could be harmful.In. basements and bathrooms,in attics and in areas where there’s been some moisture penetration,it’s not uncommon to discover moldyfiberglass or other insu- Jating materials that should be removed. scraping or sanding old walls or mold- ing.Test for (and seal) exposedareasof Educate yourself about air qual- radioactive gas that naturally accumulates in some houses—and the second leading cause of lungcancerafter smoking. Use a radon long-term detectorto measure the level of radonin your home to determineif you needto reduce it. Pay close attention to combustion appliances. If not properly maintained or vented to the outside, combustion appliances, including your furnace, gas stove or waterheater, can release pollutants such as carbon monoxide—acolor- less andodorless gas. Ensure appliances This can compromise air quality and are well maintained and inspected at least once year.Install carbon monoxide detectors. with an inorganic composition. Profes- all that you can to ensurethatit’s a safe, be the source ofpotential health issues. Whenupgrading,optfor an insulation sionalbuilders often favor a stone wool product such as Rockwool Comfortbatt orSafe ’n’ Sound because it resists moisture, adds fire protection andis an excelJent sound-absorbing material. Consider a professional home inspection.The goal is to help identify any potential hazards within your home. ‘There's noplace like home, so doing healthy and comfortable place will give you the peace of mind necessary to enjoyit to its fullest. + Scott McGillivray is the host of the hit HGTVseries “Income Property” and “Moving the McGillivrays,’ a full-time real estate investor, contractor, author and educator.
