You’ve finally done it: you’ve stepped into the realm of home ownership. We know at Burns Environmental Services that the home buying process is a long one, with the inspection checked out, the location is perfect for you and your family, and the neighbors seem friendly all in all, you feel right at home. Buying a house is exciting, but before you sign on the dotted line, check to see if your new home was used as a meth lab. You might say to yourself this is unlikely, but CNN reports that thousands of unsuspecting people fall victim to purchasing meth houses every year. Below we have 5 signs to ensure your home wasn't involved with meth.
Strong Odors -
Its normal for older homes and fixer-uppers to be a little smelly. As you’re walking through a house, sniff around literally. Certain chemical smells such as paint thinner, ether, acetone, and cat urine might be signs of meth production. Don’t be alarmed by every smell, but be sure to ask your realtor some hard questions if you smell the telltale signs of meth.
Unsanitary Conditions -
First impressions can be very telling. If you walk into a house that looks messy and has trash all over the place, it’s a good indicator that something might be amiss. Another red flag is deep stains on the carpet and walls. Most meth producers tend to neglect their homes. That’s not to say that every messy house is a drug den, but keep a skeptical eye on things if you find yourself in a home that is excessively dirty
Review Registered Meth Houses -
Make sure the deal you’re getting on the house isn’t too good to be true. A foreclosure or short sale seems like a great opportunity to buy an amazing property at an extremely low price. And oftentimes it is. However, troubled properties happen to have higher risks of meth contamination. Before finalizing the sale on a foreclosure, do your due diligence and check its history so you know its a good deal.
Ask Your Neighbors -
Neighbors like to gossip use that to your advantage. Don’t be afraid to stop by your neighbors’ place and ask about the history of your house. If they’ve lived in the area for a while, they’ll likely have important details about odd behavior, suspicious activities, and the previous owners. Not only is this a good way to make friends, its also invaluable firsthand knowledge to have of the house.
Go To Police Station -
After you’ve talked to a few neighbors around the block, take a trip down to the police station to see official reports filed on your house. Police officers have a plethora of information about the location that will help steer you in the right direction. They’ll know everything from the number of arrests to the kinds of disturbances and criminal activities that have taken place. If the house has multiple drug-related incidences, make sure meth wasn’t involved.
Ask Your Realtor for a Meth Lab Test -
Looks can be deceiving. A newly refinished house might not have any visible signs of prior meth production, but you never know what’s lurking right beneath the surface. Ask your realtor or inspector to do a meth test on the property. You can even purchase your own, relatively inexpensive, meth test and get permission from the owners to do the test. Not only will you feel good that your house is everything you’ve ever dreamed of, but you’ll have peace of mind that your family will be safe from harm.
Destructive Behavior -
The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that long periods of drug use tend to lead to violent behavior.3 Drugs have a devastating impact on the brain, which may cause temper outbursts and other volatile actions. As you walk through a house, take a close look at the walls, doors, and frames. Do they look damaged or punched in? If so, find out about the previous owners. There might be a lot more to the story of a house with a violent past.
If you need help with cleaning up your home, don't hesitate to give us a call!