Breaking News Alerts

We'd like to send you alerts when breaking news happens. Hide this Message

Press "Allow" to Activate

×
  • News Topics
    • Maui News
    • Maui Business
    • Maui Discussion
    • Maui Coronavirus Updates
    • Maui Arts & Entertainment
    • 2022 Election
    • Crime Statistics
    • Maui Sports
    • Letters to the Editor
    • Maui Real Estate
  • Weather & Surf
    • Maui Weather Forecast
    • Maui Surf Report
  • Maui Lifestyle
    • Maui Job Listings
    • Food and Dining
    • Arts & Entertainment
    • Real Estate
    • Obituaries
    • Events Calendar
    • What’s Open
  • Latest Maui Videos
    • Maui police unsure if shooting was negligent or criminal; hunting, poaching investigated (7.1.22)
      Sen. Hirono visits construction site of the future Daniel Kahikina Akaka VA Clinic
  • Special Sections
    • Medical Minute
    • IMUA Discovery Garden

 
 
 
 
Maui Now
Aloha, !
My Profile | Logout
Aloha, Guest!
Login | Register
    Maui Now
  • Sections
  • Maui News
  • Business
  • Weather
  • Election
  • Real Estate
  • Jobs
  • Obituaries
  • COVID-19
  • Letters to the Editor
  • News Topics
    • Maui News
    • Maui Business
    • Maui Discussion
    • Maui Coronavirus Updates
    • Maui Arts & Entertainment
    • 2022 Election
    • Crime Statistics
    • Maui Sports
    • Letters to the Editor
    • Maui Real Estate
  • Weather & Surf
    • Maui Weather Forecast
    • Maui Surf Report
  • Maui Lifestyle
    • Maui Job Listings
    • Food and Dining
    • Arts & Entertainment
    • Real Estate
    • Obituaries
    • Events Calendar
    • What’s Open
  • Latest Maui Videos
    • Maui police unsure if shooting was negligent or criminal; hunting, poaching investigated (7.1.22)
      Sen. Hirono visits construction site of the future Daniel Kahikina Akaka VA Clinic
  • Special Sections
    • Medical Minute
    • IMUA Discovery Garden

Real Estate

Real Estate Maui Now is
brought to you in part by

Common Concerns for Maui Property Buyers

June 24, 2015, 2:03 PM HST
* Updated June 24, 2:05 PM
Listen to this Article
3 minutes
Loading Audio... Article will play after ad...
Playing in :00
A
A
A

Termite damage. Google image.

Termite damage. Google image.

By Alexandra Mitchell

When looking for the perfect property to buy on Maui, there are a handful of concerns that new buyers should be aware of, including termites, mold and water damage.

For long-time Hawaiʻi residents, these are issues we’ve probably all dealt with on some level.

So what should the prospective homeowner know about these issues before purchasing a home?

The last thing you want is to finally buy your Maui dream home and then find that you have black mold behind your shower wall, or that the previous owners just painted over water damage spots on the ceiling. Fixing termite, mold and water damage in your new home is not only going to cost you some hard-earned cash, but it’s also a total necessity for various health and safety reasons.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD

These are just a few of the things buyers should pay close attention to when searching for property in Hawaiʻi.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD

Termites

In Hawaiʻi, termite home inspections should be conducted at least every five years–but not everyone does this! Termite inspections are typically done while negotiating the sale of a property, or during an escrow period.

For new buyer protection, it is highly recommended that a professional termite specialist, a property inspector and a construction professional visits the home to check for living termites and any structural termite damage. Both termites and termite damage are very common in Hawaiʻi, so don’t be alarmed if the home does have termite issues.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD

As the new buyer, make sure to set firm terms of responsibility during negotiation; put the condition of the home in print, and agree who will be financially responsible to fix any termite issues if there are any existing, or affecting the structure of the home.

For more information about termites, go online.

Water Damage & Mold

Many kinds of mold live in tropical and subtropical environments, and its rare to find a property in Hawaiʻi that does not have some kind of mold due to the high humidity and frequent rain here. FYI, mold is usually found alongside water damage.* New buyers should be especially sensitive to smells in a new home, because mold carries with it a musty and recognizable odor.

In addition, look for peeling and cracking paint, wood trim that’s separating from structures, and water spots that may have been painted over (especially ceilings, under toilets and in showers).

If you have a concern about mold, make sure to hire both an environmental inspector and a professional home inspector prior to purchasing a property.

Be aware that certain kinds of mold in Hawaiʻi can contribute to allergies and severe illnesses. For more information about mold, go online.

Asbestos & Canec

Both asbestos and canec are building materials that you should pay extra close attention to when looking to buy property in Hawaiʻi. Asbestos can be found in flooring, walls, ceilings and other structural elements. If asbestos fibers are being released into the air, you may have a huge problem on your hands–for your overall health and your wallet. To alleviate all future issues, asbestos should be removed.

Although canec is no longer used in building, it (fiberboard made from sugar cane) was once commonly used in both residential and commercial properties in Hawaiʻi. It is often found on Maui, especially in plantation-style homes and buildings that were built and/or remodeled between 1930 and 1965.

Canec is a unique construction material because it was treated with inorganic arsenic compounds for anti-termite control. Canec sheets and tiles were usually used for interior ceiling walls, like drywall is used today.

There are many dangers and health issues regarding the presence of canec in a home. If canec is present, safety measures must be in place when handling it in any way during removal, demolition and disposal. Not all canec needs to be removed, but damaged canec (rotting or powdering) definitely does. Major health concerns are associated with extended exposure to inorganic arsenic–birth defects, respiratory issues and high risks of cancer.

If you have concerns about asbestos or canec, make sure to hire both an environmental inspector and a professional home inspector prior to purchasing a property.

For more information about asbestos, go online. Further information about Canec can be found online.

Maui Jobs View All Jobs Chevron Forward
BMW of Maui
Technician
Central Maui · 3 weeks ago
Master Auto Center
Automotive Mechanic
Central Maui · 1 month ago

Realtors Association of Maui
Director of Education and Professional Development
Central Maui · 3 weeks ago

Hale Makua
Licensed Practical Nurse
Central Maui · 1 month ago
Looking for locally based talent?
Post a Job Listing

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Stay in-the-know with daily or weekly
headlines delivered straight to your inbox.
Cancel
Mahalo for Subscribing
×

Related Articles

  • Maui Now Seeks Reader Input for Survey: Rising…
    March 17, 2022
  • Applications Available for Maui First-Time Home…
    July 29, 2019
  • More Maui homes bought by offshore buyers last year…
    March 6, 2022
  • Moon jelly found off Maui is big, but common and…
    May 2, 2022
  • Water Quality Monitoring Suspended, Public Urged to…
    April 8, 2020
  • 2021 Real Property Assessment Notices to be Sent to…
    March 4, 2021
Make the most of your Maui vacation with these top-rated activities: Maui Top 20: Maui Visitor & Tourism Information

Comments

This comments section is a public community forum for the purpose of free expression. Although Maui Now encourages respectful communication only, some content may be considered offensive. Please view at your own discretion. View Comments
Trending Now
1Mauis Lily Meola Gives Golden Buzzer Performance Of Daydream On National Stage 251 3 Acres Acquired In West Maui For County Park 3Maui Police Unsure If Shooting Was Negligent Or Criminal Hunting Poaching Investigated 4Despite Pushback New Affordable Sales Price Guides For Maui County Advance 5Man Suffers Gunshot Wound While Driving On Maui Veterans Highway 6Us Labor Department Recovers 117000 For 70 Servers Of Hawaiʻi Restaurant Group
Back to Top
  • Maui News
  • Maui Business
  • Weather
  • Entertainment
  • Maui Surf
  • Maui Sports
  • COVID-19 Updates
  • Crime Statistics
  • Letters to the Editor
  • Maui Activities
  • Maui Discussion
  • Food and Dining
  • Real Estate
  • Events
  • What’s Open
  • Maui Jobs
  • About Maui Now
  • Contact Information
  • About Our Ads
  • App
  • Newsletter
  • Terms of Service

Copyright © 2022 Pacific Media Group. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | About Our Ads