4 House Smells That Should Concern You When Buying a Home
When you’re in the hunt for a new home you can’t help but scrutinize every aspect of a potential new residence. From curb appeal, beds and baths, a well-appointed kitchen, and ample home storage space, to neighborhood safety and a good school district—everything matters. So, when you visit a home and you notice a funny smell, be sure not to dismiss it as harmless. Beware of these four house smells that should be cause for concern when buying a home.
Smell #1. Fish
Like the saying goes: fish and house guests stink after three days. If a home you visit has the distinct smell of fish, it may not be because the homeowners couldn’t get rid of the smell from last night’s dinner.
A fishy smell in a house could indicate an electrical problem. Electrical outlets or wires that overheat can give off a fishy odor due to burning plastic insulation. These overheated components could start an electrical fire.
Related: 3 Big Problems to Look for When Buying a Home
Smell #2. Ammonia
It’s hard to ignore the smell of ammonia. Although the distinct scent can be mistaken for things like cat urine or cleaning products, an intense odor that emanates from a kitchen near a refrigerator could indicate a leak in coolant lines or in the refrigerator’s defrost pan. This could result in a fire hazard.
Related: 5 Major Reasons to Have an Agent When You Buy a Home
Smell #3. Rotten Eggs
Eggs for breakfast can be a welcome aroma. Smelling eggs inside of a home outside of mealtime can be problematic. When you visit a prospective new home, and the smell of eggs greets you inside, be wary. The odor could point to a gas leak from natural gas, hydrogen sulfide, or propane. Gas leaks present serious threats to your health and safety in the way of gas inhalation and the potential for a combustible fire!
Related: 4 Important Tips for First-Time Homebuyers
Smell #4. Dampness, Mustiness
If you detect a musty smell in a room of a home you’re interested in buying, or a sense of dampness in a particular area of the residence, be sure to question it.
These conditions could indicate that the home has a moisture problem. A musty smell is typically the result of the presence of mildew, which thrives in environments that are damp. A home that has a leaky roof or leaky pipes can create excess dampness and the perfect conditions for the growth of mildew.
In each instance listed above a professional home inspector can identify any of these potential problems before you decide to sign on the dotted line to purchase a home.
Related: 6 Major Reasons to Opt for a Real Estate Agent, Instead of For Sale By Owner (FSBO)
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