Brian Hatkoff

Hatkoff Real Estate Investments | Chatsworth, CA

  • Home
  • About Us
    • homesbybrianh
    • hatkoffinvestments
    • Privacy Policy
  • Blog
  • Resources
    • First Time Home Buyer Tips
    • First Time Home Seller Tips
  • Testimonials
  • Contact Us
You are here: Home / Archives for Asbestos

Exploring Asbestos Prevention And The Top Green Alternatives

September 28, 2021 by Brian Hatkoff

Exploring Asbestos Prevention And The Top Green AlternativesHouses across the country come in all shapes and sizes. Some of them are older than others, so they might come with aspects that are a bit outdated. Unfortunately, there are a lot of locations where older homes might still have asbestos in them. While this should be something that comes up on the inspection, buyers need to be aware of these serious issues. If the home was built before 1980, there is a major chance that the building might have asbestos in it. Fortunately, there are alternatives to this type of insulation.

Where Is Asbestos Found In The Home?

There are a number of locations where asbestos might be hiding in the home. For example, asbestos is commonly found in the floors, in the pipes, in popcorn ceilings, and even in the roof. It was used throughout the 20th century because it is thin and strong; however, it can easily be inhaled in the lungs, where it can cause severe lung damage. In some cases, it might even cause mesothelioma, which is a severe respiratory condition that usually has a poor prognosis.

What To Do About Asbestos In The Home

If there is asbestos in the home, or if there are concerns, a home inspector needs to come and take a look at the situation. He or she will be able to recommend the best course of action. If the asbestos is not removed correctly, the fibers could be tossed into the air, where they might harm other people. In many cases, the asbestos needs to be removed by a contractor who has specific training to remove it safely. The most important thing for homeowners to remember is that they need to work with a licensed professional.

Exploring Potential Green Alternatives To Asbestos Insulation

Now, there are new construction practices that use alternatives to asbestos. For example, lcynene, cellulose, and cotton fiber could be used as green alternatives to asbestos. They are a healthy alternative and they could help homeowners reduce their energy expenses. Homeowners need to work with professionals who can help them save money and protect their health when it comes to the insulation in their homes. There are multiple green options available.

Filed Under: Real Estate Tips Tagged With: Asbestos, Green Options, Inspections

6 Tips For Buying An Older Home

February 5, 2013 by Brian Hatkoff

Buying older homesOlder homes sometimes offer more charm and character than the newer houses of today. They boast gabled roofs, crown moldings, hardwood floors and antique fixtures.

Buying an old house is like buying a piece of local history. Its beautiful period features can give it a timeless beauty and grace that is hard to resist.

However, buying a house from another era can be an endeavor fraught with potential problems. Older houses are not necessarily built to the same electrical or plumbing standards of today. Plus, if they have not been maintained correctly through the years, they can turn into a serious money pit or a potential hazard.

Here are six tips to keep in mind if you are considering buying an older home:

  1. Always hire a professional real estate inspector to take a close look at the property. A professional inspector is trained to spot structural damage or issues that might seem minor, but may cause major problems in the future.
  2. Look for signs of moisture damage. Many old houses have problems with moisture because over the years they have settled.
  3. If the old house you are considering has vintage wiring, such as the knob-and-tube technology that was popular around the 1920s and 1930s, plan to completely update the wiring for your safety.
  4. You might need to add insulation. Many older homes don’t have insulation in the walls or attic, which can increase the size of your energy bill.
  5. Be on the look out for iron pipes, which were popular up until 1940. They can become clogged with rust and may need to be replaced.
  6. Have the house tested for asbestos, if it was built before the 1960s.

These are just a few things to which to pay attention out when buying an older home.

Take time to inspect the property thoroughly. With proper attention, you can mix today’s modern technology with your home’s period features to create a combination of charm and safety.

Filed Under: Personal Finance Tagged With: Antique, Asbestos, Home Buying

Brian Hatkoff

Brian J. Hatkoff
CCIM, CRS

Hatkoff Investments
Professional, Experienced, Reliable

Give Me a Call! 818.701.7789

BRE # 00644374

Want Us to Contact You?

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Connect with Me

Categories

Recent Articles

  • The Top Home Maintenance Mistake’s You Must Avoid
  • Taking an Extended Vacation? Renting Your Home to Long-term Tenants is a Great Option
  • The Pros and Cons of Buying a New Home Versus Buying Pre-owned
  • Feeling Squeezed by Higher Rents? It Might Be Time to Consider Buying Your First Home
  • What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 8, 2022

Resources

  • Buyer Info
  • Featured Homes
  • Property Search

Our Location

Hatkoff Investments

19836 Mayall St.
Chatsworth, CA 91311
Office: 818-701-7789
Mobile: 818-701-7789

Copyright © 2022 · Powered by MySMARTblog