When looking for a new home for your family, you can’t merely settle for the first affordable structure that you come across. Without examining the potential of the house or apartment, you could inadvertently put your children at risk. Although you would like to live in a perfect world, the fact remains that not everyone repairs damages to the home in a safe manner. This could be dangerous for your little ones.
Molds and Mildew
While many forms of mold and mildew can be easily smelled in the air, hiding fungi and other forms can be detrimental for your children. This is especially important for children that have asthmatic complications. Inspect the home and carpets for evidence of mold and fungus closely. The landlord or homeowner may not even be aware of a problem if the molds form within the walls or under carpet padding.
Power Sockets
Young children have a penchant for sticking objects in holes. As much as 20 amps and 110 volts of electricity can be traveling through power sockets. Although you may use plastic protectors to cover unused ports, you may want to inspect every outlet to ensure it’s safely secured and shielded with a panel. According to Jess Miller, blogger at Parent.Guide, every room should be examined closely for these electrical hazards.
Stairwell Structure
Over time, stairs can begin to weaken and come apart. You need a home that has a sturdy stairwell as your children will be climbing that construct for years to come. Nails, split wood, flaking paint and other signs of damage could pose a potential hazard for your children. Problems like these can cause everything from falls to scrapes and cuts which pose the threat of infections and blood poisoning.
Sealed Windows and Doors
The seals around windows and doors should be virtually air tight. This is especially important in the room where your children will be sleeping. Cool air, allergens and other airborne particulates could make the child sick. In the winter, that cool air could even cause asthma attacks on top of discomfort. Keep in mind that painting the window shut is not an alternative to proper weatherizing.
Proper Faucet Control
If you have a toddler, one of the last experiences you want to go through is when he or she is scalded by hot water. Without proper faucet control, a simple bath could turn into an emergency room visit. Make sure that faucets and drains are working as they should. While this may seem like a simple aspect to care about, many homes don’t have proper plumbing repairs and functionality.
Normal wear and tear can be easily fixed and repaired without creating a hazardous situation for children. Many landlords and property owners will go to great lengths to care for a property. According to Green Residential, landlords that take care of wear and tear as it happens can enhance the experiences of tenants by reducing the risks. The next time your rent or buy, treat the property well as your actions may affect another family in the future.
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Originally posted on January 30, 2015 @ 1:25 pm
