5 Things Lurking Behind Those Walls In Massachusetts

First time home buyers know that in Massachusetts, the housing stock is typically over 100 years old. While many homes are well maintained, many suffer from a little more than general wear and tear. Lead-based paint was splattered across almost every household prior to 1978. Asbestos was a fire-resistant miracle used throughout the world. Prolonged exposure to high-levels of moisture can attract wood boring insects such as termites. These issues are still very much present in many of the homes in Massachusetts. Here, we’ll explore 5 things that might be lurking behind those walls that every first time buyer in Massachusetts should know.

Lead-Based Paint – First Time Buyer In Massachusetts Should Know

Lead-based paint has been in use for hundreds of years due to its desirable properties as durable and water-resistant. At one point, it was common for English nobility to use lead paint as cosmetic make up. Queen Elizabeth was reported to have used this hazardous chemical to conceal her smallpox scars which ultimately caused her demise. In Massachusetts, contractors used lead paint in home construction as early as late 1600s through 1978. Exposure to lead paint can cause neurological development disorders (see link here). It has been proven to be particularly harmful against children under the age of 6.

First time home buyers in Massachusetts are required to complete a Lead Paint Disclosure Form (click link to see form). The disclosure allows the property seller to disclose any lead paint test that s/he might have performed to the buyer. Conversely, the form allows the buyer to request for a lead paint inspection OR waive the test all together.

Asbestos: From Miracle Mineral To A Silent Killer

Ancient civilizations have discovered asbestos more than 4,500 years ago. This natural material is not only fire-resistant but also a durable insulation. As such, the use of asbestos spread throughout the world and across every facet of life. As early as the 1800s, health workers began noticing a correlation between asbestos exposure and pulmonary diseases. However, many countries did not halt asbestos mining and use until the late 1970s. While most developed countries including Japan and France have banned the use of asbestos, the United States has not outright halt the use of asbestos in industrial products such as cement or break pads.

As a first time home buyer in Massachusetts, you want to pay special attention to the presence of asbestos. At its peak, contractors used this miracle product in wall insulation, roofing tiles, shingles sidings, and pipe insulation around your heating ducts. The only way you can definitively tell is with a professional inspector or a lab test. In many cases, asbestos does not post an immediate danger if the product is appropriately sealed and not friable. We’d recommend the use of a certified professional to manage the abatement of your asbestos.

Radon Gas: Leading Cause Of Lung Cancer

Radon gas is a natural byproduct of radioactive decay that occurs in the earth. Prolonged exposure to high levels of radon can lead to the development of lung cancer and other forms of pulmonary diseases. For first time home buyers in Massachusetts, some radon gas will be present in your basement. This is true particularly if there is low to no ventilation. As part of your purchase contract, you may request that a radon level be measured by a certified professional. This is typically a multi-day measurement. Levels below 4 picocurries per liter of air is considered to be safe by the EPA (link to references here).

Unless you plan to spend a lot of time in the basement, radon gas is generally not a major concern for most households. Many newer homeowners may elect to install a radon mitigation system that can actively ventilate the basement to remove excess radon gas.

Underground Storage Tanks and Septic

Having lived in a city all my life, I’ve always assumed that city sewage, water, and fuel were readily accessible. This is clearly not the case across Massachusetts. Just an hour outside of Boston, you’ll find towns (like Acton or Tauton) that operate on individual septic systems. Further west of Boston, many towns still rely on groundwater access.

As a first time home buyer in Massachusetts, these are important observations to note for a few reasons. If you’re looking at a home with a septic system, you’ll want the inspector to review the septic system and make sure it’s well maintained. Massachusetts requires the seller to obtain a Title V certificate in order to sell their property. If you’re purchasing a property near a gas station, make a note to your inspector for potential underground fuel leaks (click here to learn more) which will likely bleed into your foundation as well.

Insect Damages

One joy of homeownership is agency over who to invite into your humble abode… except rodents, wood boring insects, and maybe your in-laws. Areas of the home exposed to the elements create opportunity for unwanted guests to enter. This is particularly troublesome if moisture is present near wooden building materials which may attract wood boring insects such as termites. A professional inspector will be able to assess the presence and the extent of the damage. Detecting these problem sooner will help you avoid some costly repairs later on.

It’s not surprising that Massachusetts housing stock is old. The fact that many of them are still standing today is a testament to quality craftsmanship. Click Here to learn more about the property types most frequently found in Massachusetts. For the most part, well-maintained properties rare see these issues. However, as a first time buyer in Massachusetts, you should stay informed about these potential problems that might be lurking behind those walls!