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Preparing for a baby changes how you look at your home. Suddenly, every corner, cabinet, and surface feels a little more important. Between doctor visits, setting up the nursery, and organizing all the baby gear, it is easy to forget that your home itself may need some attention before your newest family member arrives.
Whether you are first-time parents or welcoming another child, now is the perfect time to make your home safer and healthier. From air and water quality to electrical safety and environmental hazards, here are the most important things to inspect when you are expecting.
If your home was built before 1978, it may contain lead-based paint. Lead dust or chips can be harmful to infants and children, potentially affecting brain and nervous system development.
What to do: Schedule a professional lead inspection with our licensed experts. If lead is found, a certified abatement contractor can help you develop a safe plan for removal or containment.
MKC Tip: Even if paint looks intact, frictionable surfaces such as windows and doors can release microscopic dust over time. Mouthable surfaces are areas where a child could access to chew and result in ingestion of lead. Early testing gives you peace of mind long before your child starts exploring.
Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that seeps into homes from the soil. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, and elevated levels can affect any type of home.
What to do: Schedule a professional radon test with the MKC Associates team before the baby arrives. Our team uses precision monitoring equipment to measure radon levels accurately. If high levels are detected, installing a mitigation system can quickly and effectively reduce exposure.
MKC Tip: Radon testing is one of the easiest ways to ensure better indoor air quality for your family. You only need to test once every two years to stay protected. If your home has an elevated level, mitigation is fairly simple and not as expensive as you might think (think: $1500-3000), and it can be done in a half-day.
Mold can develop anywhere moisture lingers, including basements, attics, and bathrooms. It can aggravate asthma and allergies and sometimes signal hidden leaks.
What to do: Walk through your home and look for signs of moisture such as discoloration, peeling paint, or musty odors. Consider hiring a professional to inspect problem areas if you suspect hidden mold or leaks.
MKC Tip: Simple fixes like diverting downspouts away from the home, grading the soil around the home away from the building, sealing foundation cracks, improving ventilation, and cleaning gutters can prevent many moisture issues before they start. Check all your plumbing for any active leaks, drips, and stains. Keep an eye on your ceilings for any stains that may be from roof leaks.
Clean water is essential for every family, especially for newborns. Even if your home connects to a public water supply, old plumbing or solder joints can introduce trace metals.
What to do: If you’re concerned about your water quality, MKC Associates can collect a sample and have it analyzed by an accredited laboratory. You’ll receive a comprehensive report detailing levels of lead, bacteria, and other common contaminants.
MKC Tip: Testing is especially important if you plan to mix baby formula with tap water. Peace of mind is worth the effort.
The air you breathe indoors can contain allergens, dust, and chemical vapors from everyday materials. Pregnant women and newborns are particularly sensitive to poor air quality.
What to do: Use low-VOC paints and cleaning products, change HVAC filters regularly, and make sure your vents and returns are not blocked. If you are concerned about persistent odors or allergies, an indoor air quality test can provide useful insight.
MKC Tip: Simple upgrades like regular vacuuming with a HEPA filter and adding fresh air ventilation can make a noticeable difference in how your home feels. If you are living in a new home, make sure it has active, mechanical ventilation to bring in fresh air and replace stale, carbon dioxide laden air.
Expectant parents often focus on outlet covers and cabinet locks, but some of the biggest safety risks are less obvious. Loose handrails, missing smoke detectors, and outdated wiring can all pose hazards.
What to do: Schedule a general home safety inspection or perform a thorough walkthrough yourself. Look for missing outlet covers, wobbly steps, loose railings, and test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
MKC Tip: Ground fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs, in kitchens and bathrooms protect against electrical shock and should be installed anywhere water and electricity meet.
Your home’s structure and systems also play a role in keeping your family safe and comfortable. Roof leaks, foundation cracks, or insulation gaps can all contribute to drafts, moisture, or temperature fluctuations.
What to do: Have your home’s major systems evaluated by a licensed home inspector or contractor before the baby arrives. Addressing issues like roof leaks or insulation deficiencies early will make your home more efficient and stable long term.
MKC Tip: Consider this your “home nesting” project. Tackling maintenance now prevents stress later when your hands will be full with more important things.
Once you have covered the major systems, focus on the rooms where you will spend the most time with your baby.
What to do:
MKC Tip: You do not need to renovate your entire home. Small, thoughtful adjustments can make a big difference in daily safety.
Preparing your home for a new baby is about more than decorating a nursery — it’s about creating a healthy, safe environment where your family can grow. From testing for lead, radon, or mold to fixing handrails and checking detectors, a little preparation now will make your home ready for every new stage ahead.
Think of your home inspector as your general practitioner for the home. A licensed home inspector can give your property a full checkup and point you toward trusted specialists if any follow-up work is needed.
MKC Associates can help by inspecting your home’s structure, safety systems, and major components so you can focus on what matters most: welcoming your baby home with confidence.
Contact MKC Associates to schedule your home reinspection and keep the purchase process moving quickly!
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