While we are all well aware of the dangers we face commuting to and from work every day, the home place (where most people spend the majority of their time) could also pose risks.
Gerhard van der Linde, Seeff’s MD in Pretoria East says homeowners should especially pay attention to the following:
- Rising damp – not only can this be very unsightly, but rising damp is often the perfect breeding ground for a variety of moulds and fungi and inhaling the spores could be hazardous to your health.
- Faulty electrical connections and electrical connections that were not installed by professionals – usually this will only be discovered when an electrical compliance certificate is requested when the owner plans on selling the property. Anything of concern like short circuits, factors like plugs not working or burning smells should be investigated immediately.
- Swimming pools not covered and/or fenced. It is preferable that all swimming pools and water features should be covered and fenced as this poses a drowning risk to children and pets.
- Termites: Not only can termite nests release particles that can possibly cause allergies and asthma, but they can also damage a property significantly.
- The condition of boundary walls should also be inspected as to avoid it falling over.
- Alarm systems that need new batteries: Owners are often not aware when alarm system batteries are depleted which could pose a risk in case of emergency.
- People should never put gas bottles on the stove when the electricity goes down as this could pose a massive risk for fire when the electricity comes back and the stove was not switched off.
- Garage doors – Whether they are manual or electrical, garage doors should always be operated with care and faulty doors should be repaired as it could pose a risk to you as well as to your vehicle/s.
Read more: Your home maintenance checklist
Tiaan Pretorius, an agent with Seeff Centurion offers the following tips for sellers to follow on show days to ensure the safety of prospective buyers and agents visiting their home:
- Lock away dogs (big and small) on show days. Should your dog bite a visitor you could be liable for injury claims.
- Beware of loose carpets, extension cords and any other potential tripping hazards. Potential buyers are not familiar with your home and may not be on the lookout for things that can potentially be harmful.
- It is important to maintain your home as to avoid any possible risks like hanging fascia boards, exposed wiring and broken tiles.
