Each year, countless homes and commercial properties are bought and sold across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. While purchasing a home is major decision for anyone, this can be an especially nerve-racking time for first-time homebuyers.  First-time homebuyers can be overwhelmed with the process of looking for a home, negotiating a sales price, getting a mortgage, and the home inspection process. In the fast paced commercial real estate market, items can also be over looked.

During this exciting and sometimes hectic time period, it is also important for all homebuyers to evaluate the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of the property they are considering. Even experienced real estate professionals can over look these factors when purchasing or leasing properties. This is important for the future health and well-being of all occupants, as well as for evaluating the value and potential costs of the property.

Indoor environmental quality pollutants can be a problem in old homes, remodeled homes, and even brand new properties. IEQ is an important consideration as some properties could be contaminated with elevated levels of chemical, microbial, and even radioactive pollutants. A partial list of common indoor pollutants that could cause concerns include:

Mold – Moisture, high humidity levels, and water damage can lead to the growth of mold which may at times be out of sight.

Bacteria – Potentially dangerous bacteria may be present if the property ever experienced flooding or a sanitary sewer overflow (SSO).

Radon – People cannot, see, taste, or smell radon, and it can be found in many regions.

Carbon Monoxide – Many homes have numerous potential sources of carbon monoxide.

Volatile Organic Compounds – Also known as VOCs, they include a wide range of chemicals found in many building materials, furnishing, finishes, and common chemicals found in homes.

Vapor Intrusion – This is a process by which chemicals migrate to the indoor air above a contaminated site. It generally occurs when there is movement of volatile chemicals from contaminated groundwater or soil into an overlying building.

Asbestos – Up until the 1980s, many types of interior and exterior building products contained asbestos.

Lead-based Paints – Paints containing lead are one of the most significant sources of exposure to this toxic heavy metal. Homes built before 1960 may contain heavily leaded paints. Homes built as recently as 1978, and in some cases later, also contain lead-based paints.

Allergens & Potential Asthma Triggers – Some of the more common indoor allergens include mold, pet dander, cockroaches, dust mites, pollen, VOCs, and latex.

Clandestine Drug Laboratory Residues – Toxic chemical residues may be present in a property that was once used for the illegal production of methamphetamine.

Smoke & Soot – Wildfires or structure fires can cause smoke and soot damage that may leave behind unpleasant odors and respiratory irritants.

“Anyone buying or leasing a property should consider the state of the structure’s indoor environmental quality before the transaction has taken place, not after the sale is completed,” said Michael Berrevoets, President, VOETS, LLC. “It’s not uncommon to find problems associated with ventilation, filtration, hazardous materials, and elevated levels of chemical and microbial pollutants.  Any of these should impact the decision to purchase a property or not, and could be instrumental in negotiating a fair sale price.”

To help identify and resolve IEQ issues during property transactions of all kinds, VOETS offers comprehensive inspections and air testing. Their experts can provide homebuyers and sellers with the information they need to make informed decisions.