Home hazards that are worth looking into

Not all home hazards are created equal. In fact, some are more dangerous than others, and while every homeowner might wake up in the middle of the night - sweating and worried about a number of issues - there are places that are worth the attention, and some that aren't.

When residents look around their houses, it helps to keep an eye out for certain concerns, and to relax when other signs are spotted. Before buying or selling a home, a property inspection is a great way for people to relieve some of that stress.

Issues that aren't a big deal

While there are many things homeowners have a right to get upset about, these aren't necessarily some of them. While a home inspection should help figure out where attention is needed, a professional could also clarify areas that aren't worth the hassle. 

In the kitchen, many people are shifting their design tastes toward granite countertops. This addition makes for an attractive upgrade and provides a residence with a modern feel. However, some owners believe that the level of radioactive elements - such as radon - present in this rock makes the counter space a legitimate home hazard, according to Popular Mechanics. In reality, that's not true. There are much more likely sources of this danger, and a property inspection could find them. But, the granite countertops won't be the source of any problems. 

Additionally, some people get worried about the flame retardant qualities in their furniture, the news source noted. A number of states have laws requiring the presence of these chemicals, although no significant health problems have yet to be reported. Due to that, the concern is minimal, and there are many more problems that a home could have that might require more attention.

Hazards that need caution

While several property safety issues are less important, there are also multiple locations around a home that residents should focus their attention on. This is where a home inspection could be particularly critical. When buying a new property, or trying to sell, a licensed professional might point out locations that need work. 

To begin with, the electrical system is a component that presents very real risk to a house, according to Today Home and Garden. One of the biggest concerns is an overloaded circuit, which could pose a significant fire hazard. Space heaters draw a lot of power, as do vacuum cleaners and microwave ovens. Homeowners should exercise caution when plugging in more than one into the same outlet.

Another very real safety problem is pests. Termites, roaches, ants and the like are common to homes, and they can do some serious damage, the news source reported. In order to combat this issue, water leaks or dripping outdoor faucets should be repaired immediately. Food should also be kept under control, preferably locked in airtight containers so pest don't get drawn into a residence. 

A property inspection is key to finding where pests have entered - and damaged - a home. To keep these critters out, their typical access points should be identified and sealed off. A hand-held mirror is a useful tool for looking underneath exterior siding to find gaps, according to Family Handyman. Windows and doors should also be sealed off using weatherstripping, especially in the fall. Dryer vents also pose a threat, and the damper on the outside of the home could have become stuck open, letting pests enter. 

When homeowners start to get concerned about any location around their house, it is important to remember which problems are worth paying attention to. Some aren't critical fixes, while others could pose a significant safety threat.