10 Horrifying Hazards Home Inspectors and Owners Are Exposed to

Homeowners with no formal training or experience inspecting properties can miss many potential hazards lurking within their dwelling.

So we asked building inspectors to share with us the most common dangers they faced while on the job.

Here are 10 potential hazards they observed, which every homeowner ought to know:

1. Inspectors spend a great deal of time on ladders so they are prone to slipping or falling accidentally. If you fall 1–2 metres off the ladder, you would suffer significant injuries. (Source)

2. Poorly-constructed roofs pose safety hazards to those who access them without proper caution. Last May 2015, a roof collapsed in Sydney CBD, NSW causing injuries to three men.

3. Building inspectors and owners face potential hazards of slipping because of bad railings and stairs. Comcare of the Australian Government advised homeowners to accurately identify and eliminate safety hazards.

4. Crawlspaces are synonymous to ‘danger zone’ (it has most of the things we are afraid of). Even in well-maintained homes, crawlspaces are a den of pathogens as well as deadly spiders and snakes. Usually a cramped space, you risk banging your head or being cut or bitten on your way inside.

5. Improperly maintained properties present electrical safety hazards. Better leave electrical inspection to the experts. Last April in Queensland, a construction worker was electrocuted. Imagine what would happen if you attempt this task without relevant training.

6. Gas appliances could be leaky, which may result to explosion and fire. Avoid this hazard by reporting leaks and requesting thorough inspection and advanced gas detection techniques. In 2012, about 300 people were evacuated from Victoria due to a gas leak.

7. Inadequate building foundation can inevitably cause a structure to collapse. Last year, a building worker in Melbourne was killed when a brick wall had collapsed.

8. Dare to inspect your home’s heating system and you expose yourself a lengthy list of health and safety hazards.

9. Insufficient assessment of exterior building hazards can result to serious injuries.

10. Before attempting a DIY home inspection, know the perils involved. You are at a higher risk of accidental falls when attempting visual examination of your property without guidance or assistance.