Northern Virginia's results-driven real estate team.

Home Maintenance Issues

Are You Wired In?

How wired is the house you are thinking about purchasing? You can use the TechHome Rating Form available from the Consumer Electronics Association to determine if your prospective new home has what it takes to keep you plugged in!

Health Concerns

Mold
While molds characterized as "toxic" have received the largest part of the attention in the media, the largest impact of mold appears to be from general exposure to elevated levels of mold. One study (The Mold Working Group of the Risk Management Committee, April 2002), claims to link mold to virtually all chronic sinus infections. As there are no set guidelines as to what is an acceptable level of mold, it is important for consumers to be informed and to stay informed of any changes which occur. In addition, consumers need to be aware that not all water leaks or stains mean a mold problem and, because not all mold is toxic, it is important to request a mold test. Finally, it is key to remember that the problem, if any, in many cases can be fixed. For more information on mold, please check these resources:

EPA Mold Guide and current EPA information
Includes information on the federal response to this problem.

Center for Disease Control
Information for home buyers and homeowners regarding mold issues in homes.

Building Science Corporation
Information on mold and a variety of other issues relating to the building industry.

Homeowners for Better Building
Dedicated to helping homeowners handle issues related to the building process, including mold problems.

Additional articles can be found at Do It Yourself.com, Mold Help, and Toxic Mold & Tort News.

Radon
Unlike mold, radon and the stigma associated with high radon levels has been around for years. As a result, radon testing has become a standard part of many real estate contracts. However, some people are now questioning the accuracy in the levels imposed by the EPA and the accuracy of the studies conducted to determine its health effects. Although most of this is from foreign entities, there is a growing number of individuals within the United States who are skeptical about the standards. Although few homebuyers question the validity of these standards, it does help to arm yourself with knowledge on the topic so you can make an educated home buying decision should radon become a factor in your home sale or purchase.
- EPA Guide
- EPA Information Regarding Radon
- US Geological Survey
- Skeptiscism.net - questions the validity of the studies used in creating the standards
- Skeptiscism.net - most recent article
- Junk Science
- E.O. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory High-Radon Project
- Radon Project at Columbia University - includes online risk assessment
Lead Paint
If you are building a new home or buying a "newer home," lead is not an issue. However, for those homebuyers and homeowners of dwellings built before 1978, lead paint is an issue and requires additional paperwork during the buying/selling process. Whether you should consider the home's age prior to purchasing depends on your individual needs and comfort level. You can visit these sites for additional information about lead paint:
- EPA
- HUD
- FDA
- CPSC
- NYC Housing

Home Improvement - Remodeling

The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation can provide you information about licensed contractors, how to file a complaint, standard contracts, and more. You may want to visit the HUD site for information on federal loan programs and energy efficiency programs.

Additional home renovation help sites include:

Zoning Regulations

Each county, city or town handles applications for construction, noise complaints, special use permits, etc. Visit the appropriate web sites below for more information regarding specific jurisdiction.

Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Building Codes

Uniform Statewide Building Code Changes

Fairfax County

Prince William County

City of Manassas

City of Manassas Park