Get a meth test with your home inspection
Meth Testing For A Home Inspection
Methamphetamine use is a serious local health issue. It’s amazing how nobody knows anyone that does meth, yet so many houses fail meth tests. If you’re thinking this is something that is in another neighborhood across the valley, you’re wrong. Tests fail in every class type in every area of Utah.
What is meth?
Meth is a street drug made from cold medicine and a mixture of household chemicals. It comes with some health risks and is highly addictive to the point of being deadly to the user. When it is made and/or used, it saturates the carpets, the walls and HVAC system and become dangerous to non users that are exposed to it. Testing for the presence of meth during the due diligence period is a good way to protect your family and wallet.
What are the health risks of living in a house that tests high for meth?
According to the state of Utah, if a home has meth levels at 1.0 ug/100cm2 or higher the homeowner is obligated to clean it up until it tests below that level. That is also the level that the EPA warns that people get sick from exposure. Respiratory problems, migraines and skin legions are some of the short term symptoms. The jury is still out for the long term issues. It is believed that prolonged exposure could cause cancer. Either way it’s not safe to live in these kinds of conditions.
What does a failed meth test mean for a real estate transaction?
So, you get a meth test and it failed. Now what? There are a few options. The first option is to have the seller clean it, after all they are obligated according to the state. Another option is to accept a credit and clean it yourself. Be careful accepting a credit here because cleaning up the mess can get very expensive. The third option is to walk away and not risk your family’s health or your money.
In my opinion the cost of a meth test vs. the possibility of medical and clean up costs is a no brainer. Do this before the end of due diligence and lower your risk.